Francesco Lacopo

Francesco “Frankie” Lacopo passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 10, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on January 4, 1924, in Gerace, Reggio Calabria, Italy to Giuseppe and Maria (Aversa) Lacopo.  Francesco was a lover of life and his family, but his one true love, Caterina Agostino, he married on September 9, 1950.  They immigrated to America in 1958 and moved to Springfield for a better life.  He worked very hard to give his family the best life and to pursue his dream.  He worked at the Baystate Gas Company for over 30 years and also built his own landscaping business for over 50 years to help provide for his family.  He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for over 60 years. Francesco was a jack of all trades and did everything well.  He built his own home, was a skilled mason, loved to dance, play cards, go hunting, and make his own wine.  He had many loves, his wife’s cooking, laughing, but the one thing he cared most about was his family.  He would sit at the head of the table during Sunday dinners after his wife had cooked one of her delicious Italian meals.  Between his children and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was always surrounded by family and made everyone welcome in his home.  Francesco is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 68 years, Caterina Lacopo;  his son, Joseph “Tony” Lacopo and wife Susan of East Longmeadow; his 3 daughters: Maria “Marisa” Raschilla and husband Frank of East Longmeadow, Paolina Stalteri and husband Michele of Toronto, Canada, and Manni Mancuso and husband Joseph “Tony” of East Longmeadow with whom he lived with. He was a loving Nonno and Great-Nonno to his grandchildren, Stefania, Antonella, Carlo and wife Carla, and Francesco Raschilla, Juliana Kisielewski and husband Darek, Romina Stalteri and Fiancé Nick Costa, and Alexandria Stalteri, Francesco, Amanda, and Julia Lacopo, and Francesco Lacopo Mancuso; and to his great-grandchildren Liliana, Caterina, Kevin, and Graysen.  Frankie is also survived by a sister, Pierina Oppedisano and husband Vincent of Ohio; 2 brothers Domenico and Rocco Lacopo of Italy; a brother-in-law, Pietro Agostino and wife Teresa of Indiana; and a sister-in-law, Maria Agostino of Indiana; and many loving nieces and nephews.   Frankie was predeceased by his loving parents Giuseppe and Maria; infant son, Giuseppe; brother, Rosario; sisters, Rosa, Carmela, Marianna, Teresina, Rita, and Mimma; and a brother-in-law Frank Agostino.  Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday January 13th from 3-7PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Francesco’s funeral will be held on Monday, January 14th from the funeral home at 8:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 10AM. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 123 William St., Springfield, MA 01105 or to the charity of one’s choice. For more information or to leave a condolence for the family please visit: www.forastiere.com.