Francesco "Frank" "Lib" P. Dell'Ovo

Francesco “Frank” or “Lib” Dell’Ovo, 73, of Holden, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by loving family on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of forty-nine years, Annette A. (Flaminio) Dell’Ovo; a daughter, Kristina M. LaPan and her husband Joshua; two sons, Daniel V. Dell’Ovo and his wife Brooke, and Anthony F. Dell’Ovo and his wife Ashley, all of Holden; four brothers, Ernesto Dell’Ovo of Delray, FL, and triplet brothers, Joseph Dell’Ovo of Auburn, Aldo Dell’Ovo of Shrewsbury, and Ennio Dell’Ovo of Boston; eight grandchildren, Sophia, Joseph, Anthony, Adrianna, Luca, Alexander, Emerson, and Lincoln “Cheech”; along with many nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by two sisters, Lena Vecchio and Tina Onorato. He was born in Sparanise, Italy, son of the late, Vittorio and Antonietta (Monfreda) Dell’Ovo, and came to Worcester in 1962. He graduated from North High School and served in the National Guard.

Frank and his family operated Dell’Ovo’s on Shrewsbury Street for many years, before he turned the operations over to his son Anthony in 2014, where the restaurant remains a “go to” place for so many. It was there that Frank met many great people, and where his love of feeding people and conversing with them was shown daily. Before opening the restaurant, Frank worked for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

Having grown up in the shadow of Mount Carmel Church, Frank was proud of his heritage and remained bound to Shrewsbury Street his entire life. When not working, Frank loved his family, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He could fix anything he set his mind to and loved to cook, not just at work, but for any occasion where he’d be with family and friends. He enjoyed “The Wonder of It All” and simply enjoyed a great life.

Calling Hours and a Funeral Service will be Tuesday, November 19, in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with Calling Hours from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Pancreas and Liver Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.