February 7, 1949 ~ July 10, 2023
Barletta, Franco E. “Frank” – of Topsfield, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully at Kaplan Family Hospice House on July 10th. Frank was born on February 7, 1949, in Avellino, Italy, and was the beloved husband of 43 years to Sandra (Leone) Barletta. Frank and Sandra lived in Reading for 37 years prior to moving to Topsfield.
Frank was the loving father of Nicole Callahan and her wife Amy of Topsfield and Robert Barletta and his wife Jessica of Woburn. Son of the late Angelo and Angela Barletta. Nonno of Reid and Pierce Callahan. Brother of Pasquale Barletta and his late wife Carmela of Reading and Mario Barletta and his wife Maria of Woburn. Franco is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
He worked as a diesel mechanic at Capital Waste for the last 18 years. Frank had the ability to listen to a truck and know exactly what was wrong and how to fix it, if he didn’t have the proper tool he was able to make his own. Even at the end, when Frank was napping in the yard, as a truck drove by, Frank just blurted out, “That truck needs engine work,” just from listening.
Frank had a passion for several things, his perfectly manicured lawn, growing Oleander’s from seedlings, he was an avid sports fans, his love of cars and trucks, but his biggest love was his wife, kids, his extended family, and being a Nonno to his grandsons Reid and Pierce.
Frank loved holidays, family gatherings and the traditions and rituals of being an Italian-American family especially drinking espresso with Sambuca gathered around the table with his loved ones.
Frank fought until the end and knew it was time to “go home” he passed on his own terms and on his own time.
His Funeral will be held from the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (corner of Park St. and Rte. 28) NORTH READING, at Reading line, on Friday, July 14th at 9 am. Funeral Mass in St. Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut St., Lynnfield at 10 am. Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday 4-7 pm. Interment Wood End Cemetery, Reading. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Franco’s name to The V Foundation, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC. 27513 or online at https://www.v.org/how-to-help/ways-to-give
