Frank Formato, 81, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012.

He was born Nov. 9, 1930, in Newark, N.J., and was the son of Peter and Rose (nee Vitello) Formato.

Frank served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a butcher with A and P for 34 years, before retiring, and moved to this area from Bloomfield, N.J., in 1990. Frank was of the Catholic faith, and was considered a “Professor of Talking.”

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Helen; daughter, Karen (Richard) Rozborski of Clifton, N.J.; son, Frank Formato Jr. of New Jersey; sisters, Generieve Martelli of Punta Gorda, and Rose Rosania of Cedar Grove, N.J.; and grandson, Christopher. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; and granddaughter, Kimberly.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fla. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.

Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.