Cover photo for Erminio  Frocillo's Obituary
Erminio  Frocillo Profile Photo
1939 Erminio 2010

Erminio Frocillo

December 30, 1939 — March 4, 2010

Erminio “Armand” Frocillo passed away peacefully on March 4th, 2010. He was born to Domenica and Romolo Frocillo on December 30th, 1939 in Dearborn, Michigan – a proud first generation Italian. As a young man he attended school, played stickball in the streets, and lived his early years simply and easily, surrounded by a large family and too many friends to count.

His decision to join the military in the early 1960s shaped his life in such a positive way and he loved few things more than to recount his time in the service. Some of that time was spent stationed in Germany where he traveled extensively through Europe retracing his heritage and living life to the fullest.

Shortly after his discharge from the army, he was in an automobile accident. A paraplegic at age 26, he was given ten years to live – though as the story goes, he married one of his nurses, moved to Wisconsin, had a daughter, and lived fully and happily until just past his 70th birthday.

Through everything he just loved people – all people – especially kids. And they loved him. He became a pied piper of sorts in the neighborhood as he and his wife moved in and around Detroit. They settled in Wisconsin in 1977, had a daughter together and he began his glorious career as a full time dad. He taught the values of bravery and compassion and curiosity and truthfulness. When the time came, he spent his days at the elementary school with his daughter helping out in the classrooms – taking special care with the kids who needed a little extra attention with reading or math. He gave of himself selflessly and with endless, unconditional love and patience in everything he did.

He was a listener, as good as they come, and when he voiced his opinion he tended to be right, about everything, whether we liked to admit it or not. He loved animals and always made sure that the birds were fed wherever he was. He was gentle and sensitive and kind and had the biggest heart – though that's not to say he didn't face adversity. He fought hard – he had to – as a paralyzed man in a world without ramps or much thought for the disabled, he always smiled easily and a whistle was never far from his lips.

There is a quote that says, 'you need raw materials to have hope' and he always claimed that God built him out of spare parts. As it turns out, he was the embodiment of that hope, made out of those raw materials. He is an unending inspiration and because of that there is no doubt that he will always live on.

Armand is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carole; one daughter, Angela and the son of his heart, Ren Bell. He is further survived by a sister Rosina (Jerry) Carriere and brothers Giulio (Beverly) and Ernest (Judi); nephews, Vincent (Lisa) Frocillo, Dr. Christopher (Linda) Frocillo and children, Jessica, Sarah, and Johnathon, Jeffrey (Angela) Frocillo and daughter Aryana. Additionally, he is survived by numerous cousins, his life long friend Benny Mastrantonio and the Schmidt family who gave Armand their unwavering support and friendship.

The Christian Funeral for Armand will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, March 8, 2010 at CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH, 601 S. Washington Street in Combined Locks, with Rev. Bill Schroeder and Rev. Tim Krick officiating. Full military honors will follow the worship service. Friends may call directly at the church on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-788-6202

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Erminio Frocillo, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

10:00am - 12:00 pm

Christ the King Lutheran Church

601 S Washington St, Combined Locks, WI 54113

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Service

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Starts at 12:00 pm

Christ the King Lutheran Church

601 S Washington St, Combined Locks, WI 54113

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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