Francis Cimarrusti Obituary

Father Frank (or just plain Frank, as he let me call him) was my dear friend when I moved inot Saint Mary of the Lake Parish back in 1974. He was generous, kind and big of heart. Though he was at Saint Mary's only a brief time after I moved there, he kept in contact with me, though my leaving Chicago caused the contact to lapse. Ironically, only recently did I see his Facebook page. I attempted to contact him, but too late. Loyola's alumni magazine alerted me to the fact of his passing. I know that he must in the arms of the Lord, and that his love continues on to move us not just to regretful nostalgia, but to acts of kindness and justice -- just as he exemplified in his lifetime. May his life of selfless love always inspire us to live lives of joy and love. God bless him and us all.

We are so sad to have just learned about Father Cimarrusti's passing. He was such a great person, helpful, kind and selfless! He married us 10 years ago with Rabbi Sternfield. He baptized our first son and we celebrated with him after in our home. He was also there for my mom. She waited for him to be with her just before she died. Such a beautiful person he was to so many people. Our deepest condolences to his family.

Father Frank co-officiated our wedding just 2 years ago. We met with him on a few occasions to discuss our lives and our relationship. It was very therapeutic. He was a great man, and my wife and I are very saddened by his loss. We pray for his family and that they can peacefully move through this.

I am sad to know Ft.Frank's death he was my friend and friend of my family loved by my mother in law Guadalupe he married my doughter Laura (rip) I am sure they will have to take numbers to see and talk to him I love him very much may he bless us from heven RIP YOUR FRIEND Angelo Cordoba sr.

I am sorry to hear of Fr. Frank's death. Soon after Fr. Frank was assigned to St. Attracta parish in Cicero, Il. my daughter, Angela Hallo, was his first baptism. He was a good friend to our family. Angela died on January 18th 2010 of ovarian cancer. I like to think that they are catching up on 40+ years of life.

I am so very sad to hear of Father Frank's death. He and I were social work students at Loyola University. He truly was an inspiration to his fellow students. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Father Frank now is with our Lord in Heaven, and I know I shall see him again!

Frank's death saddens me. He and I were social work students together at Loyola University, Chicago. He was a great friend and a great comfort to me as I know he was to many others. I met some of his family at a holiday celebration many years ago. For all of us, may pleasant memories replace our grief, in time.

been thinking of FATHER FRANK A LOT TODAY , TODAY MARKS 9 YEARS OF OUR WEDDING THE HE CO-OFFICIATED and both before and after saw for counseling later he was present on pur kids 1st birthday april 29th 2004 also the day he was ordanied several years before
we love and miss you FR Frank -thank you for hwlping us learn to be partners in this thing called marriage/life
love , jenn dj thomas

Marian & Dave, my heart goes out to you as you mourn your brother. I only knew him slightly through you, but it was easy to tell that he was a good man.May you find peace and joy in the memories.

I would never be able to find the words to express the sorrow I felt when I saw the notice of the passing of our dear Father Frank, my would has just become smaller with his passing. Please know he made a world of difference in the lives of our family, my husband and I just celebrated our thirty eighth wedding anniversary and we could not have done it without his words of wisdom.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family on your tremendous loss.
Martha & Rene Calderon

Father(Monsignor)Frank became part of our lives as a new Assistant Pastor at St Attracta Church in Cicero when he performed our wedding ceremony in May of 1965. He was newly ordained, we were young, we found him personable, easy to talk to, with great humor and understanding for human frailties. Our church music was never the same after he joined our parish, just much better, especially if he was singing.

We kept in touch, but not enough. In 2005 Father Frank was very kind to travel a good distance to renew our wedding vows for our 40th anniversay. We were surprised and delighted that he was able to be part of our celebration and that we had a chance to visit. Sadly, that was the last time we really spoke.

We will always remember him and keep him in our hearts, we are grateful for having known him. Our deepest sympathy to David and Marianna and the whole Cimarrusti family.

Thanks for overseeing my marriage. May you rest in peace fellow Highwoodian.

When my father passed away several years ago, it was the darkest time in my life. Fr. Frank was my grief counselor at Catholic Charities. He helped me through it with great kindness and even greater faith.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Father Frank. God Bless you and keep you. Karen Bates , Chicago, Illinois

Fr. Frank was my true Friend and inspiration his words of kindness and wisdom will always be remembered. His favorite dish when he came over to visit my family was Puerto Rican rice with steak. We will miss you so very much.

My condolences to the family of Father Frank. At his Masses, he always had a beautiful message and singing voice to share with the congregation. He helped our parish to heal through a difficult time.

David, our condolences on the loss of Father Frank.

David & Josephine Campagni

Since his days at Mundelein Seminary, I've known Frank. He and my brother, Steve, were close friends. He is certainly with the Lord and my brother in Heaven. Our sympathy and prayers are with his family.

My prayers to the family of Fr. Frank. I have many happy memories of time shared with Fr. Frank together with my late husband, Rev. Steve Infantino. May your light continue to shine, Fr. Frank...riposare in pace...

I met Father Frank at a young age at St. Attracta's. My mother and father met him at church when he first arrived. All they could talk about was this new and wonderful young priest. I never could have imagined at that time that he would become part of our famly. When my uncle Bishop Nevin Hayes met him it would become a lifelong partnership in the church and our families. Father Frank married us, our children, baptized our children and became very instrumental in the changing of my life in so many ways. I have many memories of our family events, laughing and singing with Bishop Conway and my uncle.

What I think about mostly is the quiet rides and the wisdom I would learn whether it would be driving him to and from the airport, or all the wonderful times we would take turns choosing the Italian restaurant we were going to eat at on Saturday's after Mass.

We will miss the not having to beg so hard to get him to sing, "I Left My Heart in San Fransico"

We will miss you terribly and thank God for letting you be part of our lives.

With our heartfelt condolences to Father Frank's Family

Jim and Sandy Hayes and Family

I realize that Fr. Frank is in a better place and is probably smiling down on us with God now....but I can't help but be selfish and sad at our loss, at my loss.

I met Frank about four years ago, when he was still doing his "therapy thing" with Catholic Charities. I came to him at an incredibly difficult time in my life. Meeting someone at such a time was obviously nothing new to him; but he met me with what came across as unique tenderness and grace to my situation. We began with weekly sessions, and slowly eased out to once a month, to whenever I had an update to give him.

He was the perfect embodiment of God's grace in my life for all the time I had sessions with him. He pushed when I needed pushing, he let me cry when I needed that, and he listened and got to know me in a way only one or two others ever have.

He came out of "retirement" (though I never knew anyone who continued to be so busy when he was "retired") to continue to counsel me and I was SO blessed that he did. I feel like I'm at such a better, more healthy and happy place in my life now...and I owe so much of that to Frank.

Frank was so fun...we shared laughs during sessions, and there were various times when I'd tried to put his advice into action in between the times I'd be scheduled to see him, and I couldn't wait to give him an update about how well it had worked out! He never said I told you so, or judged when I hadn't moved forward as we'd game planned for me to do....he was there for me. I loved the fact that he understood that the words you choose matter....and that he knew that as an attorney, I was particularly susceptible to word choice.

Frank was more than just a counselor to me....he was God's way of telling me that I was going to be ok....that there was a bigger plan and that God was placing people like Frank in my life to help me understand that plan.

God blessed us...me...with him. And my most sincere condolences go out to each of his family members....the loss is immeasurable. But the richness he brought to all our lives is equally as enduring.

Father Frank and DJ an I spoke often over the last 9 years as we approached the rectory for pre cana and even some post Marriage counseling , he would often share family examples to make dan and i "dj as i call him better spouses. THANK YOU TO THE CIMARURUSTI FAMILY FOR SHARING HIM WITH US! He co-officiated our wedding on april 29th 2002, it ws beautiful!!!

Later he was present for my kids 1st birthday party and let the kids abby and noahpull on his beard when they were born-thank you to david and family for allowinghim to be a part of out family as well!!!

Now I find myself wondering how anyone will be as compassionate and open as he was when we need it!


Father Frank:
i am sorry we had been so out of touch lately and most of all i regret not seeing you one last time so that i can just tell you what you meant to ABBY NOAH DJ AND ME
WE LOVE YOU ~AND WILL CARRY YOU WITH US FOREVER ~THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING


LOVE F0REVER ,JENN AND DJ THOMAS AND FAMILY

I didn't know you all that well but the little of you I knew went a long way and will remain with me for always . You were so sweet and a very Handsome pastor indeed.
You will be missed.

Fr. Frank was a godsend to our parish when we needed it most. He was the embodiment of a good shepherd. He found the best in each one of us and drew it out without ever telling us what to do. I know I am a better, kinder, gentler, more authentic person for having known him. He and I both loved the Erma Bombeck quote "When I stand before God at the end of my life......" I think you can confidently stand before God, Fr. Frank, knowing that you did use everything he gave you. I will miss him greatly but will do my best to live up to his example of loving and serving others. Thank you to the Cimarussti family for sharing him with us, and for guiding him gently home.

Father frank has been in our lives for 47 years. He has always been there for us. He came to Atlanta to marry our daughters,and spoke at my mother's service. He was our dear friend.Gay & Bill Marose Atlanta, Georgia

Father Frank was an associate pastor at St. Mary of the Woods in Chicago for a short time. Our family met him then and later he officiated or spoke as a guest at three of our four sons weddings.
His words inspired all of us; he was so Real and we are saddened.
Monsignor Rev. Francis Cimarrusti, we were Blessed that you touched our Lives and Hearts if only briefly.
You will never be forgotten and remembered now in our prayers of Thanksgiving.

We go way back to when we were little children playing fish and hide and go seek in your house. Your mom and dad, my godparents, were special to me and your family will always be part of my most treasured memories. We were honored to attend your ordination, and your 25th anniversary in the priesthood. You married Bill and me and you will be sorely missed. Pray for us. We love you! Carmen Leopardi Domm

May God Bless You and Your Family in This Time of Sorrow....FRANK & MILLIE GUIDO

Father Frank - you were truly a special man - can't begin to list all the words that describe you (holy, caring, thoughtful, spiritual, selfless, gentle, insightful, helpful, funny, dependable, giving, understanding, etc) -- perhaps INSPIRATIONAL is the best one!

You meant so much to me and my family (you married my parents, you married my wife and me, you baptized my children) - you are truly part of our family!

You will be missed! May God bless you!

Have many fond memories of Frank since we were young kids. He was a cr3edit to the priesthodd. is friendship and compassion will be missed. Aldo and Jean Crovtti 4/4/11

We were greatly blessed to have Fr. Frank as a member of our family. The love of God continues to grow through the lives of those he touched. Truly the light of Christ!

Father Frank was a blessing to our family. He buried my father and our dearest friend; he baptized our daughter and we shared both good and troubled times with him. He is at peace with our Lord. He will be missed. Leah and Richard Steele and family

Father Frank officiated at our renewal of marriage vows 40th.He asked if we wanted to go to confession on that day and we acceded. Our daughter breezed in from Wisconsin,late as usual, so we did not "get to the church on time!" Father was in the vestibule. We apologized and he said "Are you sorry for your sins?" We said yes and he blessed us and said "Okay!" He had a wonderful sense of humor and a beautiful singing voice. I always wanted to ask him how is it that all Italian guys are the good singers,Frank Sinatra,Dean Martin Tony Bennett and etc.but never did.

One of the good guys...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
the family and to Fr. Frank. He was
a good friend to our family. We were
deeply moved by his funeral mass for my
father. He is no doubt in heaven with our lord.
Frank Zenzola Jr and Family

Father Frank was not only a wonderful priest. I will always remember him. I taught school at St. Attracta's, Cicero, IL. . Father Frank was Assigned. We worked together on a Play that I directed for the parish. I will always remember his wonderful guidance and have never forgotten him. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.

Frank and I shared time at Quigley and Mundelein before I left St. Mary of the Lake at the end of three years, for other pastures. We haven't been in touch since but the notice of his passing came to my attention, and in spite of all those decades which have passed, let me offer condolences and prayers for all of you. God speed, Frank.

In Honor of Father Francis

Gentle wind from the north, warm breeze from above,
to the faithful who waited and languished for love,
you called us to healing in this holy place,
to reveal, what was concealed, by the Light of His Grace.

Your patron, St. Francis, gentle soul of great trust,
you brought us his presence, and told us to love,
to see in each other the Kind Holy Face,
yes, you were the blessing, the Light of His Grace.

The counselor you are came to know of our pain,
you spoke of the Great One Who calls us by name,
faithful shepherd of Yeshua you inspired our faith,
and helped us to see we’re the Light of His Grace.

For wise teacher you’ve travelled from Rome to Mumbai,
Yet taught it’s within that we fine El Shaddai.
In the home of one’s heart, in the soul’s sacred space,
When we seek understanding in the Light of His Grace.

To be love, and give love, is the message you leave,
for it is as we give, we can hope to receive,
well done, faithful servant, we lift you up to that Place,
where we ask Christ to keep you in the Light of His Grace.

Copyright © 2008 by Andrew Wyatt Isaacson

Father Cimarrusti was a truly dedicated servant of God and people. May He obtain God's full measure of peace. Such a great loss for all of us.

Peace. That is the definition of Fr. Frank. A kind and gentle man who always said the most beautiful Mass -- singing the Our Father and delivering such meaningful homilies. Such an important spiritual part of our St. Matthias community. He will be deeply missed. Our sincere sympathy to his family.

Virginia Mann & Gary Dupuis
St. Matthias Parish

The hours I spent with Fr. Frank over the last two years will be forever etched in my memory. He was truly my guiding light and my inspiration. His love and concern for all helped me turn my life around. How I miss him. He and his family will always remaian in my prayers.
Monica Brown

Dear David, Marianna and Family,

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Father Francis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May he rest in peace with our loving Father.

Ernie and Linda (Romitti) Sigler

To all the Cimarrusti Family, I send my deepest sympathies for your loss of Fr. Frank. We have all lost a great friend and gentle person.

During his years at St. Matthias, I have known him through singing, his sermons, and the touching talks we had.

I will miss him and pray to him for he is with our Lord.

Pat Jones
Choir Member

Our love and prayers are with you. May Jesus give you peace and comfort,

Father Frank was a man of integrity and we will surely miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you David & Marian and we greatly appreciate all the love & care you provided to Father Francis the past year , but especially the past month.
With all our love & prayers, Bob & Kathy Teofilo & family

Father Frank simply operated on a higher level than any priest I have known. Both more human and more holy. A great friend whom we will miss very much.

Liz & Patrick Keating

Father Frank was a kind and loving man whose countenance inspired trust and empathy. I knew him from his attending conferences presented by Guest House, as I was President there for thirteen years before becoming Executive Director of Shalom Center. My condolences to all of his friends and family and to the great Archdiocese of Chicago who lost a really good priest. May he rest in peace.

MY SINCERE PRAYERS FOR FR. FRANK'S FAMILY. HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND OF MY LATE BROTHER, BISHOP ED COMWAY, AS WELL MY ENTIRE FAMILY, FOR MANY YEARS. I KNOW HE WORKED HARD FOR GOD'S PURPOSES, AND TRULY DESERVES TO BE AT REST NOW WITH HIM.

JERRY CONWAY, ELMHURST IL.

What a holy and inspirational man. I am so blessed to have known him and leaned on him during some very difficult times. I will always remember how he was there for me - and for everyone. I will miss him dearly. Thank you God for blessing our lives with such a wonderful person!

He was a good man, kind, holy. He spent countless hours helping me in my time of need, and for that, I love him.

I don't know what we would have done without Fr. Frank during my Father's illness and death back in 1989. He was the most wonderful and caring individual. He never missed a week's visit. He brought my father to a place of peace before he died. We will always remember and love him. He will be greatly missed.

"I am in deep sorrow for your loss. You were always special to me Fr. Francis. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the beautiful and immeasurable friendship we shared together. You're one of the kindest souls I've known. Your memories will live on forever. I know you're now living and sharing with the great presence of our Lord Jesus and Mama Mary together with the angels and saints. I will greatly and dearly miss you with all my heart. My deepest condolences to the family of Fr. Francis. Rest assured of my prayers with you all."

"I am in deep sorrow for your loss. You were always special to me Fr. Francis. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the beautiful and immeasurable friendship we shared together. Your memories will live on forever. May You Rest in Peace. My Condolences to the family of Fr. Francis."

Frank was a mentor, colleague and good friend to me and many others. I miss him dearly. He was blessed with an open loving mind and he demonstrated and practiced tolerance and acceptance. His smile and laughter live on.

I have been very lucky to get to spend time with Francis over the past four years and I am so greatful for that opportunity. I miss him dearly, but am also glad that he is now with God.

My heart is very heavy too with the loss of Father Frank. I will always treasure in my heart when Father sang Ava Maria every Mothers Day to the Mothers in the parish, yes he truly is singing with the choir of angels and saints. I will miss you with all of my heart. My prayers are with the Cimarrusti Family.

After having supper at his sister-in -law Joan's, house I asked Fr. Frank if he would like to take a ride on my Harley and to my supprise he said yes. So off we went. Ron Cox

Dear David and Marianna,I hope you know how much we all share in your pain. Thank you for sharing Fr. Francis, your brother, to all of us. Wishing you stronger days ahead.

Father Frank, will always be missed by many . He has touch the hearts of many young and old. With such true holiness, love and guidance he bought to many. My famliy will miss him but now he is with his father, god bless the cimarrusti family may father frank rest in peace. I will miss you with all my heart, love cindy

May Peace be with Father Frank. Although many years have gone by since Father Frank and I served together at Catholic Charities, I still thought of him often. He made such a positive impact on so many lives. He was very caring and oh so kind. I will cherish his memory forever.

My Dearest Fr. Frank (Monsignor)
You were always special. Rabbi Tillman said it best, "a good soul". You made an effort to be everywhere that you were wanted or needed. You concelebrated at our wedding and officiated at our children's weddings. So many reunions you served us. Sharing this past year with your
e-mails was like an internet reunion. Thank you! Cele

We will miss Father Frank, he was very special to us. Condolences to his family.
Anne K. Padilla (Carla, Jason & Bryan)

Was sorry to hear of Father Cimarrusti's passing. He performed the marriage ceremony on April 3, 1971 for me and my wife Kay at Our Lady of the Lake Church. Rest in Peace, Father.

Patrick L Murray
Chicago, Il

I am deeply sorry for the loss of Father Frank. He married my husband and I a year and a half ago in Our Lady of Pompeii.
I send my prayers for him and his family.
He is with his Father now.
Wieczne odpoczywanie racz mu dac Panie, a swiatlosc wiekuista niechaj mu swieci. Amen

Father Frank married Thomas J. O'Connor and Mary Fleischhauer in Crystal Lake, IL, on August 19, 1967. Father Frank also sang Edelweiss for our wedding dance. Tom died in 2001. Father Frank was a warm human being.

Mary O'Connor

Fr. Frank, your sincerity, true holiness, sense of humor and beautiful singing voice will be so missed. The Cimarrusti family can be proud of the man and priest you were and you will be missed by all.
Marlene Colella

Remembering Frank from our years together at St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, I know he fulfilled a ministry extending the humanness of Jesus to all he served. His smiling face lingers in my memory these 50+ years later. We accompany in loss all those who loved him and continue to treasure the spirit he brought to our world.

To Fr. Cimarrusti's family---I am so very sorry for your loss. Fr. C married my husband and I three years ago, and he was just such a kind and caring man. We were so grateful to him and are so glad to have known him.

I loved your laugh,so it became mine.

I knew Fr. Frank at St. Mary of the Lake parish. My deepest sympathy to his family

I loved your laugh so much, it became mine.

In the Yiddish language there is an expression - a gute neshome. It means "a good soul". Fr. Frank was not only a knowledgeable man who understood human nature very well. He truly was a gute neshome. We have celebrated many weddings together. All couples told me how enlightening and comforting Fr. Frank was. This good soul will always remain a living spiritual presence in this world. May his memory be a blessing! Rabbi Michael Tillman

Fr. Frank was such a positive and loving influence in my family's life. Such a good friend and guide. We will miss him terribly. Much love to his family. You will remain in our prayers.

To the family of Rev.Monsignor Cimarrusti,Our hearfelt condolences to all of you.No matter what we say nothing can ease the pain your are feeling now but just be happy now that he is pain free and with our Heavenly Father.As what people say he is singing now with the Angels above.One good memory i have was during Mother's Day Mass when he asked all mothers for the blessing and he sang Hail Mary Gentle Woman,i was crying and i thank him too for being with us when my Mom passed away.Fr.Frank,rest now and watch us.

David and Cimarrusti family-I am sorry to hear of the passing of Frank. I knew that he had been very ill. Frank was a great man and freind and always will be remembered. Peace be with all of you.

My heart is very heavy at the loss we all feel today. Fr. Frank made a difference in so many lives. He was a wonderfully benevolent man. I imagine him now singing with choir of angels and saints.....it makes me smile.

A heart-felt thank you to Fr. Frank's family for sharing him with all of us. I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Christi Debrauwere
Choir Member at St. Matthias

Fr. Cimarrusti was a deeply caring man with a wonderful voice. I was lucky to have him guide me through the baptism of both my daughters.
Diane Garvey
St. Mary of the Woods

To the family of Fr. Frank -

Our deepest condolences to you. We also wanted to thank you for sharing Fr. Frank with all of us. He will be greatly missed and always remembered...

Mike and Bernie Hoffman
from Infant Jesus of Prague Parish
Flossmoor, IL