Frank Michael Blandino

Frank Michael Blandino, a/k/a “Frankie”, age 51, passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer the early morning of Wednesday, October 17th. Frankie was born in the Bronx, New York, and moved to Ft. Pierce with his family in 1981 as they embarked in the opening of Expresso Pizza. He graduated from John Carroll High School in 1985, and then obtained an AA degree from IRCC in 1987. Frankie then completed a BA degree from Florida State University in 1989. His academic career culminated in him earning his Juris Doctor from the Thomas Cooley Law School in 1996. After graduation Frankie returned home with numerous options available to him but being a restaurateur was in his blood, and he took over the reins of the family run business, where he became known as the face of Expresso Pizza and Catering. He also worked as a special magistrate in St. Lucie County for the cities of Ft. Pierce and Port Saint Lucie adjudicating code enforcement cases.
Frankie lived his life in a simple way but he was passionate about many things, specifically the New York Yankees, Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang, doggies, singing Dean Martin songs, his many friends, and most of all his family. He lived for his family every day and his nieces and nephews were the lights of his world. He was a chef in the kitchen at Expresso Pizza where he spent most of his days but he also was a master negotiator, who loved the thrill of making a good deal. He enjoyed garage sales and auctions of all kinds and loved people.
To be one of Frankie’s friends was to be blessed, and his friendships hailed from all corners of the world. He was the sweetest man and his gentle soul and humor left a lasting imprint on everyone who had the honor of knowing him. Despite being faced with many obstacles in life he never gave up and his philosophy epitomized the “Little Engine that Could”. Given his love of doggies his motto was “Woof”. Frankie also had a legendary memory because he cared about everyone and everything. The world is a better place because of Frankie. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
Frankie is survived by his loving parents, Frankie and Connie, loving siblings Adelina (David), Sal (Tracy), sister-in-law Maria (“Mamma Da”), his loving nephews and nieces, Michael-David, Francesco, Angela, Joseph, Connie Louise, Nicholas, Olivia and Lil’ Sal, and numerous cousins that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved older brother Joseph.

Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 2:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. Lucie Catholic Church, Port St. Lucie. Burial will follow at White City Cemetery.