Frank Criscuolo, 62, who with his wife Claire has been a fixture of the downtown dining scene for more than three decades, died suddenly at his home Wednesday.
Along with Claire, Frank owned Claire’s Corner Copia and Basta Trattori on Chapel Street.
“Frank has been part of the fabric of downtown New Haven for many decades and it’s hard to imagine New Haven without him,” Market New Haven chief Anne Worcester wrote in a communal email Thursday.
Following is the official obituary:
Frank Criscuolo of Cosey Beach Avenue, East Haven, the beloved husband of Claire LaPia Criscuolo, owners of Claires Corner Copia and Basta Trattoria of New Haven, passed suddenly on Wednesday December 14, 2011. He is the son of the late Frank and Josephine Mazzaro Criscuolo. Besides his wife Claire, he is survived by his brother Michael Criscuolo of North Haven, 3 nieces and a nephew who lovingly refer to him as “UNC”. Frank was a devoted husband of 36 years and a successful Restaurant owner in New Haven. His heart was in the food he prepared and the friends and family he loved. He was loved by everyone he met and was a great listener and friend to all of us. Frank enjoyed his time at the beach both here and in Florida. He enjoyed his many vacations with family and friends. Frank also enjoyed boating, fishing, cars, motorcycles, photography and was an excellent guitar player. He served on the board of the New Haven Public School Foundation and along with his wife Claire, was an avid supporter of many charitable events in the New Haven area.
Relatives and friends may call Friday (TODAY) from 4 – 8pm at the IOVANNE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 11 Wooster Pl. and are asked to go directly to St. Michael’s Church Saturday morning at 9 for a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Food Bank PO Box 868 New Haven, CT 06513. www.ctfoodbank.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 www.StJude.org. Sign Frank’s guest book online at www.iovanne.com.
Frank was certainly one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure to know. My condolences, Claire. He will be truly missed. I can only imagine that he can now enjoy Sunday pasta every day in heaven. Peace.