Frank C. DeStefano

Frank Charles DeStefano, 93, of Hudson entered into eternal life on November 23, 2024, at home and surrounded by his family. He was born October 2, 1931 in Mineola, New York to Robert and Mary DeStefano. He married Nina Osani April 1, 1956 in Mineola, New York, the love of his life for over 68 years.

Frank is survived by his wife, Nina; children: Robert DeStefano (Kathy), Donna Aguis, Lorraine Proctor (Charles), Lisa DeStefano, Frank DeStefano (Marcene), and Daniel DeStefano; fifteen grandchildren: Celene Kuhlmann, David DeStefano, Derrick Aguis, Kelly Aguis, Krysta Liebegott, Jacob Aguis, Ian Proctor, Kyle Proctor, Shawn Proctor, Andrew DeStefano, Elyse Miller, Talia DeStefano, Frank DeStefano, Andria Scalisi,  and Noah DeStefano, and ten great-grandchildren: Breck Kuhlmann, Michael Halkitis, Rockland Halkitis, Rexa Aguis, Myles Proctor, Reid Proctor, Leo DeStefano, Rowan DeStefano, Ayla Miller, and Ava Scalisi. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.  He is survived by his sister, Mary.  

Frank graduated from Mineola High School in 1949, and shortly thereafter served as private first class in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge from the military and his marriage to Nina, he worked many hours supporting his growing family as a grocery store manager and retail counselor for independent grocers, before investing in his own grocery store “Mr. D’s Super Market.”  Mr. D was a respected and admired community member in the southeast Des Moines, Iowa area.

Although his career path was in the grocery industry, he was also a talented and prolific artist and left a legacy of paintings.  His family has always treasured his paintings of his grandchildren, and of he and his wife Nina, as he captured the memories of their courtship.  In addition, his love of carpentry was expressed though beautiful home renovations, both in New York and Iowa.

Frank and Nina retired to Hudson, Florida in 1991, where he enjoyed being outdoors and stayed active in landscaping, gardening, and other outdoor activities. 

A lifelong devout Roman Catholic, Frank was a dedicated parishioner at his parish, St. Theresa Catholic Church in Springhill, FL for over 30 years. He served his parish community as the St. Theresa conference vice president for St Vincent de Paul, in the Knights of Columbus, as an usher, and in many other capacities. Because of their distinguished and outstanding service to the parish, and their generosity and love of their faith, Frank and Nina were awarded the St. Jude the Apostle Medal by the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2011.  

Visitation will be held at Downing Funeral Home at 1214 Wendy Court, Spring Hill, FL 34607 on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 pm. For more information, please consult their website at https://www.downingfuneralhomeandcremation.com.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church at 1107 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606 on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 9:30 am.  A service will be held graveside at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church Renovation Fund at 1107 Commercial Way, Spring HIll, FL 34606

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