Frank Russell Bilotta

Frank R. Bilotta, of Wellington, Florida died there on September 8, 2011, at 87, in his sleep. He was born in Philadelphia on July 28, 1924. Before he finished high school, Frank enlisted in the US Marine Corp at the age of 17 and fought bravely in the Pacific Theater on Iwo Jima and Tinian, receiving presidential citation. He married Kathleen Pinto (Kae) in 1947, his childhood sweetheart. They had six daughters whom he loved and of whom was extremely proud. Frank owned many different businesses throughout the Philadelphia area from the Wildwood Boardwalk to the Main Line. In every venture, Frank worked exceptionally hard to provide for his family. The pancake house he owned in Paoli was a gathering place for many, young and old. He was president of the Paoli-Berwyn Lions Club and the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. Frank loved to entertain his friends and family. True to his Italian heritage, he opened his home to all, hosting parties with grand meals, dancing, swimming, lawn games and even costumes. He loved music, especially the big bands and Frank Sinatra. His colorful garden was well-tended with whimsical arrangements. He was known for his singular sense of humor and his penchant for jokes. Frank remained a devoted Catholic his entire life. Frank and Kae retired to Florida in 1989. Frank always exclaimed about how vital he felt in the Florida climate amidst the abundance of his favorite food, fruit! He never failed to impress his new "snowbird" friends with his vigorous athleticism; Frank played racquetball and rode his speed-bike well into his 80s. He delighted in visits from his children and eleven grandchildren, leaving them in awe at the patriarch who never seemed to age. Frank Bilotta is survived by his wife, Kae, his daughters Kate Vetrano, Denise Parisi, Janixx Parisi, Meryl Snow, April Bilotta, and Damiann Hendel; his sons-in-law Tony Vetrano, Andy Snow, and Frank Febus; his grandchildren Shane Shariatmadari, Siobhan Parisi, Corinne Johnson, Kara Hendel, Kelly Snow, Giuliana Vetrano, Nico Bitzer, Adriana Vetrano, Devon Pecora, Connor Pecora, and Asher Hendel; his sister Gloria Coia, brother-in-law Robert Coia, and sister-in-law Dolores Bilotta; and many other nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Russell Bilotta and his sisters Claire Haverdink and Marie Pistone. Funeral Mass will take place at St. Rita Catholic Church 13645 Paddock Drive, Wellington, FL on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Funeral arrangements are private. Memorial Service in Philadelphia to be scheduled. Frank Bilotta, a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.