Frank Gennaro (77) formerly of Naperville

Frank Gennaro, 77, formerly of Naperville, Ill., passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at his home in Effingham, Ill.  

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Entombment and military rites will follow at Oakridge Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. 

Frank was born on December 6, 1944, in Chicago, Ill. to John and Eleanor (Graziano) Gennaro. He married Angela M. DiVito on October 9, 1964, in St. Joseph, Mich. Shortly after, Frank enlisted in the United States Army and the couple moved to El Paso, Texas where Frank was stationed at Fort Bliss. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and served as a technical writer and instructor for the Ground Guidance Division of the High Altitude Missile Department. Here, Frank prepared specialized materials and trained service members on the Nike Hercules missile. In his role as an instructor, Frank received superior ratings from his peers and students. He was given a letter of appreciation from his chain of command for his leadership, outstanding character, enthusiasm, and ability to prepare soldiers for their next assignment. Frank was honorably discharged from the military in September 1967.  

Following his military career, Frank attended ITT Technical Institute and was employed by Unisys for 20 years. Frank then served as a department manager and software developer at Florist Transworld Delivery (“FTD”) from 1988 until his retirement in 2012.  

Frank loved to make his family laugh and when he wasn’t asleep in his recliner with his dogs, Frank could be found chatting with his 26k+ Twitter followers. His humorous personality, thoughtful advice, and comforting hugs will be missed by all.  

Frank is survived by his son John (Laura); three daughters, Cheryl (Dr. Doug) Kabbes, Jennifer (Chris) Kleifges and Joanna Widauf; brother, John (Willa) Gennaro; sister, Mary Jo Schovanec; eight grandchildren, Courtney, Connor, Christa, Samantha, Kaitlyn, Gina, Anthony, and Christopher; and his nieces and nephews and their families.  

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his wife and best friend, Angie.