Francis "Frank" Matarrese

FRANCIS " FRANK" DOMINIC MATARRESE, 84, of Cumming, Georgia passed away on Monday May 2nd, 2011 with his loving family at his side. He was a Veteran of the United States Army.

Francis Frank Dominic Matarrese was born on June 3, 1926 and raised in Fairlawn NJ. Due to the sudden loss of his father, he began his career as a butcher apprentice at a very early age in order to support the family. Frank won a singing contest at the age of 16 and was asked to tour the nation with a popular big band. At the urging of his mother, he set his dream aside to continue providing a stable income. Frank values God, Family, and Country and joined the Military at the age of 18. He served in the US Army during World War II, and participated in the final siege of Berlin.

Not long after his return from the war, he met his life partner and soul mate, Angela Schuller, who he wed on May 21, 1950. Despite his remaining aspirations to be a professional stage singer, his commitment to family came first and he resumed his career as a Butcher. In addition to singing and spending time with family and friends, Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing the banjo, and traveling. He especially enjoyed long family drives through the countryside. Frank retired from the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company in 1991, and moved to Georgia in 1996 to be closer to his grandchildren. But his true career was that of a devoted husband, father, and grandfather from which he never retired. Frank left this world to join his Savior on May 2, 2011 and is singing with the angels.

Frank is survived by his sister Grace Surgent of Fairlawn, NJ; wife Angela of Cumming, GA; daughter and son-in-law Patricia and David Wald of Coto de Caza, CA; sons and daughters-in-law Patrick and Susanne Matarrese of Cumming, GA and Rick and Michelle Matarrese of Johns Creek GA; Daughter Pamela Matarrese of Cumming GA; Grandchildren: Tina, Caroline, Michael, Alli, Melissa and Nicole Matarrese; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and his grand-dogs Chase-Prancer and Jasmine.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 155 Professional Park Drive, Cumming, Georgia. (678) 455-5815.