Frank Salamone

Salamone - Frank Salamone aged 64 of Grand Rapids. It is with deepest sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Frank Casey Salamone following a twenty-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 29, 2012, while being cared for by his longtime partner, Francelle "Fran" Huber. He was preceded in death by his parents, Casey and Sadie Salamone, brother Marco, and beloved grandmother Giuseppa "Josephine" Lima. Frank dedicated his life to music and was a well-known performer in Grand Rapids and the Midwest from the late 1960's to the 1980's. He was a master of finger-style acoustic country blues guitar, playing solo and as part of the band Suitcase with his longtime friend, Jimmie Stagger. Although incapacitated by his illness, he remained active in music. He was a devoted collector and listener of acoustic music and helped produce three CDs of his music from archived material. Frank is survived by his sister Delores "Nina" Henry; sister-in-law, Alice Salamone; several nieces and nephews, and his partner and number one fan Fran Huber, whose selfless and enduring care enhanced his quality of life immeasurably over the many years of his illness. Friends and family will gather to celebrate Frank's life Monday May 7, 2012 from 7 to 9PM at the Ronan-Vanderpool-Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Ave. Donations to Heartland Hospice of Grand Rapids in Frank's memory would be welcomed. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frank Salamone please visit our Sympathy Store.