Obituary of Francis Ralph Civitello, Jr.

Francis “Frank” Ralph Civitello, Jr., age 50, beloved husband of Danielle M. (Smith) Civitello of Stratford, died Monday, January 13, 2020 at Yale-New Haven Hospital with his loving wife by his side. Born in New Haven on January 16, 1969, he was the son of Francis R. and Joyce Hicks Civitello, Sr. Mr. Civitello was raised in Hamden and was a 1987 graduate of Hamden High School. He worked as a truck driver, driving 18 wheel rigs for Quality Carriers, until the time of his illness. Frank was an avid model car builder and motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson to countless charity events and rallies. He will be long remembered for his heart of gold, a loving father and his goofy sense of humor where he attempted to make every situation fun. Frank’s greatest legacy was rescuing many children at risk, helping them to rebuild their lives and ensuring a stable future. In addition to wife and parents, he is survived by his cherished children, Samantha Civitello of Raleigh, NC, Elizabeth Urcinas of Southington, “Gia” Giavanna Civitello of New Haven, Jeffrey Stanley of Stratford, Alana Civitello of New Haven, a stepson, John Dichello of West Haven and James (Junior) Foley of North Branford, whom he loved as his son; a devoted sister, Arlene (Michael) Hristov of Guilford; and his adored “canine people”, Lulu, Brutus and Bubba. A Mass of Christian Burial, (meeting directly at church), will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Friday, January 17, 2020 in Holy Rosary Church, Father Salemi Dr., Ansonia. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call on Thursday, January 16, 2020, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org or to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Road Newington, CT 06111, https://cthumane.org/. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.