Francis L. Schiavoni, Sr.

Francis (Franny/Frank) L. Schiavoni, Sr., age 88, of Elsmere, DE passed away peacefully at his home under the care of his loving family, on October 7, 2009 after a long illness.

He was born on July 11, 1921 in Arquato del Tronto, Italy to the late Carlo and Angelamaria Schiavoni. He came to Wilmington, Delaware with his parents in 1927, and lived here the rest of his life. During WWII, he returned to Italy where he served as an airplane instrument specialist with the 416th bomber squadron under the U.S. Army Air Corp.

Upon his return to Wilmington, he met and married the love of his life, his best friend, and true companion, Frances R. (Saienni) Schiavoni on November 23, 1946. They were happily married and inseparable for 55 years until her untimely passing in early 2002. Franny was a master carpenter and foreman for much of his life. He learned the carpentry trade under Fortunato Builders. He built the family home where he passed away while working with Vilone Builders in the late 1940's. Over the years, he also supported housing developments for Capaldi Builders, Crompton Builders, and Leaf Builders. For a couple of years, he even shared a successful development business of his own with his brother. He eventually was employed with Louis J. Capano & Sons Development, as a supervisor, for over 20 years. He retired in the early 1990's.

Although Franny was a soldier and a carpenter, his true passion was always his family. He will be remembered as a devoted and sentimental husband, a loving and supportive father of five, and a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather of over ten. He was an originating and active parishioner in Corpus Christi Parish. In later years, he enjoyed traveling with his family, reading all sorts of books, eating Italian food, bragging about his children, and gathering with his family, whom he dearly loved and who dearly loved him.

A pillar of strength, courage, and faith to all who knew him, Francis is survived by his four sons and one daughter: Richard F. Schiavoni of Mililani, Hawaii, Carl E. Schiavoni, Sr. of Wilmington, Michael L. Schiavoni, Sr. of Wilmington, Francis L. Schiavoni, Jr. of Bear, and Maryanne T. Schreier of Downingtown, PA, to whom he will forever be endeared as "Daddy". He is fondly remembered as "Pop Pop" by Carl Jr., Lisa, Bryan, Lynn Marie, Dominick, Jessica, Michael Jr., Frances Rose, Nicki Marie, Teresa, and Melissa. He has one surviving brother, Constandino Schiavoni of Wilmington, two surviving sisters, Josephine Saienni and Lucy Hill of Wilmington, and was preceded in death by one brother, Luigi Schiavoni. The family offers special thanks to the numerous caretakers, Hospice personnel, Veterans Administration staff, and volunteers who graciously supported their efforts to care for Daddy in his home over the last three years, as well as to countless friends and relatives who have offered their support through prayer.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at Corpus Christi R. C. Church, 901 New Rd., Elsmere on Friday morning, October 16th at 10:30 a.m. Friends may call at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy., Elsmere on Friday morning October 16th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Interment in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

Flowers are appreciated, as donations in his name to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810 or the Corpus Christi Church Building Fund, 901 New Rd., Elsmere, DE 19805.

Krienen-Griffith
994-9614
www.Delawarefuneral.com