Francesco “Frank” Pecoraro

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Francesco "Frank" 
Pecoraro

A man who was well known in his community, Francesco “Frank” Pecoraro lived a life that demonstrates that one can accomplish great things through hard work and dedication.

The 1930s were a time of hardship throughout much of the world due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression, and life in Italy was no different. In 1933 Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, and in the aftermath of the Reichstag fire in 1933 the stage was set for the rise of the Nazi Germany and with that, Europe was never the same. Despite the unrest around them a young couple from Italy was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on March 4, 1935. Francesco was welcomed by his parents, Salvatore and Rosalia (D’Amico) Pecoraro, and spent his formative years in his native Italy.

New and exciting changes were in store for Frank when he met and later married a young lady named Rosaria Fontanazza on November 23, 1959, in Italy. Together they were blessed with their daughter, Rosalia, and their son, Salvatore. Rosaria and their children immigrated to the United States, and Frank followed about one year later.

Frank found work as a butcher at Glorioso’s Grocery Store and Deli in Milwaukee and after more than 25 years of dedicated service, Frank retired. He was affectionately known as the “Pepperoni and Cannoli Guy” because he could often be found at the various nightspots on Milwaukee’s East Side selling pepperoni and cannoli to the patrons.

Through the life he lived each day, Francesco Pecoraro made a lasting impact in the lives of so many around him. His devotion to his work, his community, and his family is to be admired. Frank will be missed and warmly remembered.

Francesco Pecoraro died on February 16, 2012. Frank’s family includes his wife, Rosaria; children, Rosalia (Franco) Barbara and Salvatore Pecoraro; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; and other relatives and friends. Visit with Frank’s family and friends at Three Holy Women Parish – St. Rita Church, 1601 N. Cass St. on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 7:00 p.m. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.

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Past Comments

Noah Desmond

He was Milwaukees Mr.Bojangles!

Jean Weedman

“Cannolis! Get your fresh cannolis here,” I heard the refrain coming from the Cass Street Park playground below the window of the rooming house we had just moved into on Pleasant Street. It was the early 1970’s, and I was gaining a sense of neighborhood. Later, at Glorioso’s, I met Frank, the man behind the voice, an iconic neighbor. Peace.

Scott

In the mid 90’s, on the East Side in Milwaukee, if you were a working musician, or a bartender, or just a regular patron of the area nightlife, you knew Frank. I can still hear his voice, and it evoked a nearly Pavlovian response in the bar crowd, with his pepperonis, or maybe it was the cannolis. Sometimes the one, sometimes the other.

I truly hope that he somehow made a fantastic living with his work, and supported a large, happy family in comfort and style. Because that would only be right, and just.

For me and others around in those days, Frank was a rare person; an honest guy who did what he said he did, and was who he said he was.

Heidi

Thank you for always making Milwuakee a more enjoyable place. Thoughts and prayers to your family. I’ll miss seeing you walking up and down Brady and seeing you on the porch of your house.

T. Martin

Everyone loved the “Pepperoni and Cannoli Guy”. Thank you for the memories may you rest in peace. Thoughts are with your family, with all the memories you gave people in Milwaukee I’m sure can’t even hold a light to memories you gave your family!

kathy sahagian

Frank kept the Italian eastside flavor alive. He was a sweet man who always had time to talk to his friends and customers. We will miss him and his cannolis.

Chris L.

Frank was a Milwaukee icon. A familiar and friendly face for 1,000’s of Milwaukee residents and visitors for so many years. Memories of his call of “Pepperoni! Cannoli!” is something that will forever bring a smile to my face and the faces of so many who met Frank over the years. He was a unique guy providing a unique service to his community. He will be missed.

K Vogt

How many years I spent on the Eastside, “Frank” was there ten times over. He always had a smile, frindly word, and goodies for everyone. He was passionate about life and his job, and from that, we all can learn…………rest in peace……you will not be forgotton!

Kari

I remember the friendly little man with the fresh CANNOLI

Marisela Contreras-Schwinn

A night out was not complete until you ran into Frank shouting out “Pepperoni. . .Cannoli!” May God comfort the family and grant them peace with time.