Frank Volpe
Services
Obituary
Frank Volpe, age 91, of Brookfield, Owner of Cordial Inn. Born Chicago IL November 4, 1919. Beloved husband of the late Mary Volpe, nee Dambra; fond father of Annette St. Jean, Debbie (the Late Scott) Frushour and Kay (Tim) Williams; dear grandfather of AnnaMarie Stone, Jessica Williams and Michael Frushour; son of the late Santo Volpe and Antonia Volpe; brother of Angelo Volpe and the late Anthony Volpe and Dominic Volpe; uncle of many nieces and nephews; dear friend to many; On September 23, 2011 Brookfield lost a legend. Frank Volpe, owner of the Cordial Inn and oldest bar owner in the village, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 91, just six weeks before his 92nd birthday.
Frank was born in Chicago on November 4, 1919 to Italian parents Santo and Antonia Volpe. He lived within the city limits most of his life before moving to the suburbs in 1959. Four years later he purchased the Cordial Inn, and he quickly grew to be a local star. The Cordial, with its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, promptly became known as the bar with the “Best Burgers in Town.”
Among friends, Frank was known for his kindness and generosity. He never hesitated to help a friend in need, giving the shirt off his back if he thought it would help. However, friendship was not a prerequisite for knowing Frank’s spirit. He was always quick with a smile and a story (usually accompanied by one of his tried-and-true one-liners and an offer of food) to welcome a newcomer to the Cordial. Frank was well known in the community and will be missed by many.
He shared an intensely loving relationship with his wife, Mary “Dolly” Volpe, nee Dambra, until her sudden passing in May of 1981. Though he was grieving, Frank immediately slipped into the roles of mother and father, putting the needs of his daughters first and never missing a beat. Although he worked hard and often he never neglected his daughters; he always made sure he met their needs before worrying about his own.
As a grandfather, Frank provided his grandchildren with unforgettable experiences. He passed on his passion for life and love of good food through memories
Visitation Sunday, September 25, 2011, 3 P.M. to 8 P.M. and Monday, September 26, 2011, 10:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral Monday 11 A.M. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
Frank was born in Chicago on November 4, 1919 to Italian parents Santo and Antonia Volpe. He lived within the city limits most of his life before moving to the suburbs in 1959. Four years later he purchased the Cordial Inn, and he quickly grew to be a local star. The Cordial, with its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, promptly became known as the bar with the “Best Burgers in Town.”
Among friends, Frank was known for his kindness and generosity. He never hesitated to help a friend in need, giving the shirt off his back if he thought it would help. However, friendship was not a prerequisite for knowing Frank’s spirit. He was always quick with a smile and a story (usually accompanied by one of his tried-and-true one-liners and an offer of food) to welcome a newcomer to the Cordial. Frank was well known in the community and will be missed by many.
He shared an intensely loving relationship with his wife, Mary “Dolly” Volpe, nee Dambra, until her sudden passing in May of 1981. Though he was grieving, Frank immediately slipped into the roles of mother and father, putting the needs of his daughters first and never missing a beat. Although he worked hard and often he never neglected his daughters; he always made sure he met their needs before worrying about his own.
As a grandfather, Frank provided his grandchildren with unforgettable experiences. He passed on his passion for life and love of good food through memories
Visitation Sunday, September 25, 2011, 3 P.M. to 8 P.M. and Monday, September 26, 2011, 10:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield. Funeral Monday 11 A.M. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com