Longtime RVC resident Prochilo dies at 83

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Longtime Rockville Centre resident Frank Prochilo Sr., who emigrated form Italy as a teenager to become a well-known carpenter and contractor, has died at the age of 83.

Affectionately known as “Ciccio” by his family and friends, Prochilo was born in Calabria, Italy, in 1933. As a child, he learned how to manufacture furniture under the tutelage of his uncle and later became a fine furniture manufacturer in Rome.

He was 19 years old when he emigrated to Rockville Centre in 1952 and eventually became a master carpenter. His mansions on the north and south shore were so popular that he continued to receive jobs by word-of-mouth, instead of advertising.

Prochilo was drafted into the Army in the late 1950s and served in Germany for two years during the Cold War. Elvis Presley was also stationed there during that time, but the two never met.

He had to give up carpentry after suffering two heart attacks at age 39, but became a contractor to support his family. He semi-retired at age 72 and spent his winters enjoying the lifestyle and seasonable weather in Florida. But while he was there, he couldn’t resist the urge to work on his condominium by installing kitchen cabinets and moldings with his gifted carpentry skills.

Family was always important to Prochilo and was his main motivation for working hard. He even bought lottery tickets in hopes of winning big so he could give the money to his children.

To relax, Prochilo’s enjoyed playing Italian card games with his family and friends, watching soccer games from Italy, doing odd jobs, drinking espresso and eating pasta with a glass of red wine. He loved to travel and go cruising in his later years and saw much of Europe, especially Italy.

Prochilo is survived by his wife, Marcella, brother Vincent, sister Julia, sons Frank and Carmelo, daughter Maria Stella, stepdaughter Cheryl and aunt Maria Antoinette. He also had 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He is resting in peace at the Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.