Francis M. "Frank" Missurelli

Francis M. “Frank” Missurelli, age 86, of Kenosha, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at United Hospital Systems – St. Catherine’s Campus.

Born in Racine on June 1, 1930, he was the son of John and Giovanna (DeFazio) Missurelli.  After his mother passed away on his first birthday, Frank went to live with his aunt and uncle, Michelangela and Giacinto Falduto, in Kenosha.  He remained with them throughout his childhood, but stayed very close to his father and older siblings, spending weekends and summers in Racine.  He graduated from the old Kenosha High School and soon after began his career with the Kenosha News, a company he never left.

Frank joined the U. S. Army, enlisting through Fort Sheridan in August of 1951.  He was stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in August of 1953.

On February 27, 1954, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Gina Martino.  They were blessed with three children and nearly 63 years of marriage.

Frank had a long career with the Kenosha News, retiring as its Director of Advertising in 2000, but continuing as the publisher of the Zion-Benton News until his full retirement on December 31, 2015.

He was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, praying regularly to his patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi.  He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, and a member and past trustee of St. James Catholic Church, regularly attending their evening services across the street from the News.  Frank gave of his time selflessly, serving as a board member of the Goodfellows (Kenosha Christmas Charities, Inc.), an active member of the Serra and Italian-American Clubs, a board member of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America for the past several years, and a member of the Humanities Board at Carthage College.  He was a past president of the Mississippi Valley Classified Managers Association, and the Wisconsin Newspaper Advertising Executive Association.  He always found time to enjoy a round of golf, but what he cherished most was his time with his family.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Gina, their three children, Clare (Leonard) Hartnell, Mark (Katherine) Missurelli and Jane (Michael) McTernan, and six grandchildren, Nicholas (Alessandra) Hartnell, Lucy Hartnell, Louis, Maria and Joseph Missurelli, and John Michael McTernan.  Frank is further survived by his brother, Russell Missureli, other relatives, extended family members, and many, many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jennie Missurelli and Nellie Romano and three brothers, Peter, Samuel and Joseph Missurelli.