Frank Panteleo, 104, was a man of many talents, with a full and interesting life

Frank Joseph Panteleo lived a long adventurous life. Born in Rockford, IL, on March 19, 1918, his parents, Luca and Maria (Mistretta) Pantaleo immigrated from Sicily. Frank was bilingual at a young age.

Frank passed away in his home in Roscoe on Thursday, March 16, 2023, three days shy of his 105th birthday.

Frank’s parents wanted him to learn to read and play music, so at a young age he began playing the soprano saxophone and clarinet. He won many Saturday morning talent contests for kids at the local theater. In high school and beyond, he played in a dance band, specializing in big band music.

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Frank graduated from Rockford Central High School in 1935. He met his future wife, Frances Jakubosky while in high school. They were married on June 7, 1941 at St. Patrick’s Church in Rockford.

Frank studied accounting at Rockford Business College. He landed his lifetime job at Besly Welles/Bendix Corporation in South Beloit, IL, where he was an accountant and comptroller of the company, retiring in 1982. The family lived in Rockford, Beloit and Roscoe. Franny passed away on January 29, 1994.

Frank and Franny were an adventurous couple. They played tennis, enjoyed boating, waterskiing, fishing, swimming, and travelling in the U.S. and Europe.

He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in South Beloit, IL, serving weekly in their perpetual chapel. He was a very active member of the Beloit Elks Lodge #864 for more than 70 years, and was an Exalted Ruler and officer several times.

Frank volunteered as an AARP Tax-Aide preparer for many years. He nurtured relationships with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even neighborhood kids. He was appreciated by all for his gentle kindness and thoughtfulness.

Survivors include his daughters, Patricia (Douglas) Houser and Barbara (Patrick) Montenero; grandchildren, Kristofer Houser, Kelly (Nathan Formel) Montenero, and Michael (Ellen) Montenero; great grandchildren, Ryland Houser, Rico Montenero, Judith Montenero, and Finn Montenero Formel; two nieces and one nephew.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife; and sister and brother-in-law, Katherine and Alfonso Mera.

A Scripture Service for Frank will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI with a Visitation of Remembrance to follow until 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023 in St. Peter Catholic Church, 620 Blackhawk Blvd., South Beloit, IL, with Father Romeo Pavino officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rockford.

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