Frank Joseph Billeci

Frank Joseph Billeci, 64, of Wallingford, CT (originally Southampton, NY) died peacefully at home on August 25, 2015, following an honorable battle with cancer.
Frank was born September 29, 1950 in Brooklyn, NY. As a child, Frank and his family spent their summers in Southampton Shores, a beach community within Southampton, NY. Upon graduating from high school, Frank moved full time to The Hamptons, where he lived and worked for almost 40 years. A true craftsman, Frank took pride in his work as a Carpenter. It showed whenever he spoke of how "he and his crew would pull up to a job-site with just a foundation; but when they were done, there was an entire house!" Frank spent many years running his own construction businesses and then working as a general contractor. When The Hamptons' construction market became mostly stagnant, Frank moved to Connecticut for work, but mainly to be closer to his 3 grandsons, "The boys." Tyler, Joshua and Cameron Gratton, of Wallingford, CT absolutely adored their PooPa and he felt the exact same way about them. PooPa loved to have 1:1 time with each of his grandsons. The boys looked forward to IHOP for breakfast and then checking on job-sites, possibly some work at PooPa's shop or some other fun adventure. Keepsakes now, many Pinewood Derby cars were built in the shop during these special days.
Aside from being the go-to Mr. Fix-It for everyone, especially his daughter; Frank had many interests. He was an avid reader of all genres, particularly old westerns. Frank regularly visited the local library and never left with less than 3 books. Frank enjoyed spending his weekends with those he loved exploring museums, car shows, different towns, restaurants, going to the movies, just relaxing and watching TV and getting the best deals at tag/yard sales! Frank was a sponge for knowledge and loved to share stories about his work, life and family. He looked forward to summer trips to Martha's Vineyard and was ecstatic to finally make it to Tucson, AZ this summer.
Frank's final months were filled with life and love. He wholeheartedly embraced his newfound retirement and cherished each and every adventure he took, as well as the simple moments shared with those he loved.
In addition to his grandsons, Frank is survived by his son Christopher Billeci, of Bayshore, NY; his daughter Joanna (Jody) Gratton, of Wallingford, CT; Adam Gratton, of Wallingford, CT, who was like a son to Frank; his little sister, Nancy Billeci and her partner Kate of Tucson, AZ; his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Larry Steck of NC, and their daughter, Samantha Steck of NYC; his brother, Michael Billeci of NY; and of course, his Lucky Girl, Colleen K. Cardinal, of Middletown, CT and her family and friends whom Frank felt at home with. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Natalie Billeci.
The family would like to thank the Hartford Healthcare HOPE team, especially Sarah Simon, for the care they provided during Frank's final months and moments. The compassion and guidance his family received from the HOPE team during Frank's final days was heartfelt and was always with Frank's true spirit in mind.
The family of Frank Joseph Billeci will receive family and friends on Monday, August 31, 2015 from 5 - 7 PM. Interment will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Frank's memory to Habitat for Humanity of Middlesex, CT. Humble as he was, many did not know that Frank volunteered on several Habitat homes within Connecticut. Simply put, Frank believed in Habitat's mission statement, "A world where everyone has a decent place to live". He had the ability to contribute to that mission, and so he did.
To donate, please follow the link below:
(Please be sure to click the section within the link titled HONORARIUM & MEMORIAL)
https://secure.volunteermatrix.com/habitatmiddlesex.org/donate/donateonline.php

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