Frank “Sonny” Demonte

Frank “Sonny” DeMonte, 85, passed away on Thursday, August 14.
He was born in Hartford, CT in 1923, the second son and fifth child of Louis and Antoinette DeMonte. He was born into hard times and humble beginnings, but surrounded by a huge family that worked together to create the DeMonte legacy. It was that start that molded the rest of his life and determined that he would make it better for his family.
In the mid 1940’s most of DeMonte’s immediate family migrated from
Hartford to New York and he followed a few years later, coming to work for a construction company based in Corona. Through a web of family ties he met his bride Tina, whom he married on September 18, 1948. He continued to work in construction and mastered the trade of carpentry. He eventually started his own company, F & R Construction, which he ran successfully for over 30 years.
In his retirement years, in addition to enjoying time with his wife and grandchildren, wining and dining with family and friends, traveling, golfing, and frequent trips to Atlantic City, he continued working tirelessly side-by-side with his son in their restaurant, “Grandpa Frank’s” in Long Island City.
Family members remember DeMonte as a consummate teacher to his children and grandchildren. He drilled into them the creed that he lived by, “If you give respect, you will always be respected, and if you don’t get respect in return at least you know you did the right thing.”
DeMonte was also remembered as a great friend to all, his generosity only surpassed by his love for life and his family.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years Tina; his two children Louis and Frances; their spouses Anthony and Vicky; his grandchildren Louis Christopher, Louis
Charles, Frank, Tina, Richard, and Kimberly; his sister Gloria D’Amico, his brothers-in-law Nick and Steve Castoria, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral arrangements were handled by the Macken Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was held at St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Bayside. Interment was at Mt. St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Donations in his memory will be gratefully accepted by St. Francis Hospital Developmental Office (In Memory of Frank “Sonny” DeMonte) cc Dr. Thomas Nicosia 100 Port Washington Boulevard, Roslyn, NY 11576.