Frank "Poppy" Ciccarelli

Frank “Poppy” Ciccarelli, age 87, of Naples, Florida passed away at his home, October 27, 2016. Frank was born June 30, 1929 in Buffalo, New York to Frank Ciccarelli and Lena (DiDomizio) Piccolo and raised by his mom and step father Peter Piccolo. He advanced a grade in school and, at 14, began working assisting a widow in continuing her husband’s furniture making business. He graduated high school early at 17. It was following a YMCA dance while still in high school, where Frank asked Joan, "Do you want to twirl squirrel?” resulting in the two being married on August 13th, 1949. They celebrated their 67th anniversary this year and what made it work was their enduring love for each other, their deep faith in God and their desire to have and commit to a large family. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marines, serving a second term during the Korean War. Frank Ciccarelli attended the State University of NY at Buffalo night school, pursuing a degree in accounting while running a business and raising a family of seven children. Frank “Poppy” was considered a mentor to his children, employees and numerous people with whom he was associated. He shared his wisdom and experiences with his children, their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends in hopes they could learn in their own pursuits for success both personally and professionally. He was a visionary, and when he saw a desire in someone, he did everything he could to encourage it. He shared his love freely and without judgment. He developed a number of successful businesses in Buffalo, Rochester, and Chautauqua, New York; and Naples, Florida. He was a founding member of the International Association of Financial Planners (IAFP) with Loren Dunton in 1960, and helped develop the standards for CFP designation. Frank had a keen sense to understand people and knew what to say and when to say it. Frank and Joan believed in the knowledge one could learn from hands on experiences, spending many summers traveling the US and Europe while also raising their family in Chautauqua, New York and, in their later years, enjoying their cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia. Frank is survived by his two sons, Raymond (Annette) and Paul (Neri) Ciccarelli, five daughters, Kathleen Curatolo (Anthony), Deborah Clementi (Louis), Kim Ciccarelli Kantor (Jan), Gaynell Anderson, Jill Ciccarelli Rapps (Pete) and his beautiful wife of 67 years, Joan Ciccarelli; further defining the family with 15 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, his sisters Paulette Nardelli, Arlene Becker, his brother, Raymond Ciccarelli, Lynn Ferraina and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Lena Piccolo, brothers Donald Piccolo, Vincent Ciccarelli and Guy Ciccarelli. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, November 25, 2016, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples, Florida 34108. Rev. Thomas James Glackin will be officiating. The Ciccarelli family wishes to extend a special thank you to Avow Hospice, his caretakers Anita, Grace, Jane, Patrick, Ron and Winston, McKenney Home Care, NCH and the Alzheimer’s Association. In Lieu of Flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to: US Charitable Gift Trust, reference Ciccarelli Family Foundation in the memo line and mail to Ciccarelli Advisory Services, 9601 Tamiami Trail N., Naples FL 34108. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Frank "Poppy" Ciccarelli

June 30, 1929 - October 27, 2016