Francis S. Guistolise

Francis S. Guistolise entered into eternal rest on December 7, 2024. He was born on December 15, 1927 to Nicolina (née Dalessandro) and Filipo Guistolise.

Frank was the beloved husband of Claire Guistolise to whom he was so happily married to for forty-four incredibly wonderful years. They found their forever home on Hampshire Street in Elmhurst, Illinois and became members of Visitation Parish there. They never missed a daily or Sunday Mass together. Claire and Frank loved to travel and had the good fortune to accompany one another to many countries and spiritual landmarks. As their love for one another grew, their love and devotion to Almighty God did, as well. Together, they lived each and every day of their lives, guided by the example and love of Christ, and with the confidence and unwavering hope to live eternally with The Lord. May they, now finally together again, be gazing at His adorable face.

Prior to his marriage to Claire in 1970, Frank answered God's call to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. He was ordained in 1953 after completing his religious studies at Mundelein Seminary. His first assignment was as an associate pastor at St. Ferdinand Parish in Chicago, followed by Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park, and finally at Our Lady of Angels Parish in Chicago.

After Claire's death in 2014, Frank tried fervently and persistently to return to active ministry, demonstrating his desire to love and serve the Lord. Frank was denied this opportunity but found great satisfaction and comfort working for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, where his knowledge and compassion fueled his success there, both professionally and personally.  His childhood, high school years at Quigley Preparatory Seminary, his study at St. Mary of The Lake University/Mundelein Seminary, and his years as the loving husband of Claire, were undeniably guided by The Holy Spirit. He truly lived to be of spiritual service to his family, his parishioners, and to anyone seeking to become closer to God. He taught by example, always selfless, seeking to become a trusted friend to everyone he met. It was never about him, it was about YOU he was interested in.

Frank and Claire moved to the Beacon Hill Retirement Community in Lombard, Illinois after Claire became ill in 2014.Claire died shortly after that. Father Frank, as he was affectionately known to everyone there, acted as unofficial chaplain to the many residents who called upon him in their times of spiritual need.

Frank was an avid reader of hundreds and hundreds of books on the saints and spirituality. He was particularly fond of those authored by Popes and clergy. He loved to play the piano for anyone who would listen, but mostly for himself, for it made him feel alive and thankful for this gift from God.Frank's warm, humbling, peaceful and comforting nature was an indication to all who were blessed to meet and know him, that they were in the presence of an extremely rare, pious, saintly man, who was a spokesperson for God.

Frank was sincerely grateful and blessed that these same individuals reciprocated in kind with letters, cards, baked goods, hugs and kisses, telephone calls, and most importantly with prayers.

Frank not only gave of himself personally, but also monetarily to the hundreds of charities that incessantly asked for his help. He turned no one away.

Frank was preceded in death by his brothers, the late Sam P Guistolise (the late Molly) the late Nicholas J. Guistolise (the late Josephine) The late Joseph S. Guistolise (the late Margaret) the late Michael F. Guistolise (Donna) and sister, the late Mary Grace.

Frank wanted all to know that the only things you bring with you to Heaven, are the things you gave away on earth.

He also wanted to leave you with this........."You know what Luigi said"............

Family and Friends are to gather for the Visitation on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162 (located between Mannheim and Wolf Road). Funeral to follow Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from Russo’s Hillside Chapels at 8:30 AM proceeding to Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst, Illinois, 60126. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated promptly at 10:00 AM. Interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois. For additional information please call 708-449-5300. Please sign Francis’ guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donation in Frank's name to the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary http://usml.edu/give/ would be greatly appreciated. 

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