On August 20, 2025, at the age of 94, Frank passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the very people who meant the world to him—his beloved family.
Frank was born on April 12, 1931, in Chicago to Pasquale and Adeline. From those early days, he carried with him the values of loyalty, warmth, and resilience that would define his life.
He was married to Carole for 64 remarkable years, a partnership built on love, laughter, and shared devotion. Together, they raised six children, and their family blossomed into 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren—a living testament to the strength of their bond and the joy they cultivated.
Frank’s passions were simple and profound: his family and food. Whether it was a Sunday dinner filled with stories and laughter, or a moment spent watching the Cubs, Frank found joy in the everyday moments that others might overlook. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, for turning a meal into a memory, and for reminding us that love is best expressed through presence and generosity.
To know Frank was to know warmth. He was the kind of man who made you feel like you belonged, who never let a holiday pass without a feast, and who could turn even the smallest gathering into something special. His legacy lives on in the traditions he started and the love he poured into every corner of his life.
Though we feel the weight of his absence, we also feel the strength of his spirit in every hug, every shared meal, and every story told around the table. Frank Cesario Sr. may have left this world, but he leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to nourish us for generations.
Frank is survived by his wife, Carole Cesario, by his children, Frank Jr. (Marietta) Cesario, Michael (Debbie) Cesario, Janet (George) Cartina, Rich (Liz) Cesario, Dave (Jana) Cesario and Jim (Melissa) Cesario. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Frank III, Christopher, Andrea, Michael, Ryan, Alyssa, Allison, Jon, Talia, Gina, Sofia, Nick, and Amelia, and by his great grandchildren, Damian, Luciano, Tatum, Maverick, Holden and Mazie. And by his brother Dennis Cesario.
Frank was preceded in death by his siblings, Joe, Angie, Rosemary, Gloria and Sandy.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:00am at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley, IL. There will be a visitation from 10:00 until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate/. For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
I’m so sorry for your families loss. Prayers for comfort.