Obituary of Frank Cilento

Frank Joseph Cilento, a beloved member of the Staten Island community, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. 

Frank was a loving family man who consistently put his family and community before himself. He is especially remembered by his wife, Maria, sons, Andrew and Matthew, and sister, Mariajeanne. There is nothing he loved more than his family. 

Frank was born on January 5, 1957, in Manhattan, NY, and grew up in the Bronx until he was 7 years old. His family moved to Staten Island in 1963 where he attended St. Charles, then New Dorp High School, and graduated in 1979 from Saint John’s University on Staten Island. 

Frank had a passion for helping others that carried over into his professional life, where he worked as a financial planner and helped countless families throughout various milestones in their lives for over thirty five years. His sons, Andrew and Matthew, will carry on his legacy and will continue his business in his memory. 

Frank was driven by his acts of selflessness. He was an avid member in his community for the last thirty five years as a member and past President of the South Shore Rotary. As President, he took part in the international exchange program and had a student from Argentina live with his family for one year. He delivered countless turkey baskets to families in need all over Staten Island and was a supporter of the PS37R school community, a school devoted to helping children with disabilities. Frank spearheaded an annual Hungerfood School holiday program that brought light into their world. Frank also started a Business Networking International Group on Staten Island bringing small business owners together. He selflessly and wholeheartedly dedicated his life to service. His empathy and genuine care made a lasting impact on all. Frank was also a Man of God and raised his children the same way. 

Frank would always joke and say that he should have been a veterinarian because of how much he loved animals. Growing up, the neighborhood would refer to his family’s house as the Chesterton Avenue Zoo where they housed 3 collies, a cat, a mynah bird, an African Gray Parrot and two 55 gallon fish tanks, and this is where he developed his deep love for all animals. 

This love led Frank to be an active volunteer for the Staten Island Zoo where he previously served on the Board of Trustees following in the footsteps of his father, John. 

Frank will always be remembered for his kindness, humor, selfless acts, and love for his family and pets. 

His viewing will be on Friday, October 11, from 4PM-9PM at Matthew Funeral Home at 2508 Victory Blvd in Staten Island, New York. Funeral mass will be Saturday, October 12, at 11AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations in the form of check made payable to South Shore Rotary with “In Memory of Frank Cilento” in the memo.  The donations will then be distributed between PS 37 & The Staten Island Zoo, two wonderful organizations very dear to Frank’s heart. 

Checks can be mailed to the Cilento family at 455 Powell Street, Staten Island, NY 10312. Any questions regarding donations, please contact Matthew Cilento at 718-915-2660.