Frank Angelo Reda Jr was the son of Frank Reda and Adeline (Salitore) Reda. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Rose (Buttice), Delores (Viso), Evelyn (Fisher) and Nancy. His younger sister Adeline (Saso) remains.
He was the fifth child of six, and the only boy. He grew up in Cicero IL and worked in his father’s barber shop as a boy. He learned to play the accordion at age 4, and became accomplished by the time of high school. He won a car by taking first place, playing accordion, in the Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour in 1950. After graduation from Morton High School, he attended DePaul University, graduating in 1957. Frank was then drafted into the Army and served active duty for 2 years and reserves for 4 years. He was initially a tank commander, but eventually came to lead the 17 piece Army show band. He even qualified for the Airborne unit.
Frank married, not the girl next door, but the girl 3 doors away, Marilyn Napolitan on December 28, 1958. They honeymooned in Miami beach, then headed to Fort Knox, KY, where Frank was stationed. After Frank’s honorable discharge from the army, they moved back to Cicero, IL. They had 2 sons, Frank Reda III and Joseph Reda. Frank initially worked in the insurance industry, for CNA and Penn Mutual. He later sold pianos and organs for Wurlitzer, Baldwin and other companies. He won many sales contests and prizes, including a second car in 1980. All through his career he continued to moonlight playing piano and accordion all throughout Chicagoland. Frank and Marilyn bought a home in Glen Ellyn, IL in 1975 where they lived for almost 20years while their sons finished school.
In 1994 Frank and Marilyn moved to Springfield, IL to be with Frank III, when he was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. They later moved to Fort Myers, FL in 2001 and then Naples, FL in 2003. Frank found a renewed career in music in Florida, playing all sorts of venues throughout Southwest Florida, often playing 3-5 nights per week. In 2003, he recorded a jazz trio album with his sons.
Frank’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, cars and travel. He loved spending time with his family, including his daughter-in-law Dawnya (Brunk), his granddaughters Julia Reda and Francesca (Reda) Leonardo and her husband Abel, and his great-grandaughter Natalia Leonardo and great-grandson Giovanni Leonardo.
Visitation Friday June 21, 2024 at Cappetta’S West Suburban Funeral Home 4920 Main St.,. Downers Grove from 4-8 P.M. Funeral Services Saturday 11 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Avow Hospice 1095 Whippoorwill Dr. Naples, FL 34105
God bless and rest in peace Uncle Frank. I have many great memories growing up with all of the family parties and playing with my all of my cousins. Also if we were lucky, Uncle Frank would pull out the accordion and play some tunes. Most certainly times I cherished and really miss.
Dear Uncle Frank,
I cherish the memories of you and our family. Though we have lived far apart over the years you were never far from my thoughts. You were my first and only choice to be my godfather at my confirmation. I’ll always be grateful for your acceptance and support. All those great memories of our family time together. Holidays, birthdays and just spending time together as a family. So many little things that spark a memory. (uniform of the day) I can’t put on a blue blazer and gray slacks without thinking of you. And the music that you shared with us. The sound of an accordion will automatically trigger thoughts of you. My mom truly appreciated you playing the piano at their 50th anniversary. What a musical talent. So many instruments. Though the last few years were extremely hard I know now that you are at peace and can appreciate all the love and care that was given to you. You will always be loved and missed.
Your loving godson Hank,
Our heartfelt condolences to the Reda family! We wish for you peace and comfort during this time! We love you!
Karen Martin
Sorry to hear about Uncle Frank. His music will live on forever. Bill and I enjoyed seeing him and Aunt Marilyn again in Georgia
Dear Frank and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. What an accomplished life your father lived! We will miss seeing him outside from time to time.
I hope you can find peace and comfort in the memories made, and smiles and laughs shared as a family.
Thinking of you all in this very difficult time.
With Sympathy & Love,
Brian, Kerry & Vance Tate