Frank F. Fontana, Sr., passed away peacefully on January 19, 2014, in Kansas City, MO, at the age of 94.

Frank was born in Waco, TX, on June 24, 1919, to Pete and Anna Fontana, and lived most of his life in Kansas City, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vita, Mary, Anna Marie and Josephine; and brothers, Tony and Vito.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Daisy (Cariddi); sisters, Lena Locatelli and Carrie Simone; and his children, Toni DeSimone (Jay), Frank F. Fontana, Jr., Phyllis Alexander (Ken), and Debbie Lewis (Joe). His spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of his loving grandchildren, Joe DeSimone (Terri), Mieke Przybylski (David), Britni Jarvis (Sean), Natalie Ebel (Caleb), Darin Lewis, Blair Lewis; his great-grandchildren, Samantha Belvin, Tyler Belvin, Sophia DeSimone, Jillian Belvin, Anna Przybylski, Michael Przybylski, Ella Jarvis, Mia Jarvis; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

In his younger years, Frank worked as an "Ice Man", carrying heavy chunks of ice and placing them in customer's "Ice Boxes". He then worked for Pisciotta Produce Co. and then in the food processing business, retiring from Ranch Hand Foods as their plant manager in 1985. In his retirement years Frank enjoyed working in his yard attending to his plants and flowers, tinkering in his work shed and managing his rental properties. He also took great pride in ushering on Sundays at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, January 23, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 911 E. Missouri Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to Kansas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Pkwy, #100, Kansas City, MO 64114; or to Holy Rosary Parish.

Pallbearers are Joe DeSimone, David Przybylski, Sean Jarvis, Caleb Ebel, Sam Kaplan and John Fanska.

The Fontana family extends their heartfelt thanks to all the exceptional caregivers at Kansas City Hospice for the wonderful, compassionate care they provided.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.