Dante Fresco
September 05, 2018
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Service Details
Dante Fresco, 93, passed away on September 5, 2018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 9 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A prayer service will be at 6:00 P.M., on Sunday.
Dante was born on January 5, 1925 to Joseph and Louise (Forte) in Des Moines, Iowa and grew up on the south side of Des Moines with his parents and four siblings. He was a proud graduate of Dowling High School and graduated in 1943. After graduation Dante joined the United States Army. He spent two years in the Army during World War II in many front-line battles under General Patton.
On August 8, 1948, Dante married the love of his life, Mary Russo. The two of them were blessed with two daughters who were the center of their lives. They were members of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Dante founded Allied Meats in 1962 with three business partners; Sam Soda, Bruno Fresco, and Frank Farao. He retired in 1987. Later he became involved in thoroughbred horse racing and owned horses that ran at Prairie Meadows. Dante was a firm believer that family was always first in his life. Dante certainly enjoyed his life by traveling and wintering the past 30+ years in Florida. He was a member of the Dowling Club, American Legion Post 659 for 60 years, and The Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders Owners Association.
Dante is survived by his daughter, Deb (Kerry) Leech; grandsons Brian (Melissa) Paterson, Dante Paterson; great grandchildren, Charlotte and Anna; sister, Mary Fresco (Pat) O’Brien; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Dante is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary; daughter, Susan Paterson; brother, Bruno; and sisters Elda DiMaio and Anita Gray.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Von Hippel Lindau Foundation to further research about this rare heredity disease that affected Dante’s family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Pat Caligiuri
09/12/2018
So sorry for your loss.I always enjoyed seeing Danny. Rest in peace God bless
Dennis & Julie O'Brien
09/10/2018
We were so sorry to hear of Dantes passing. He lived a long happy and productive life! Special love and condolences to Sister in Law and brother Mary and Pat.
Tom Mancuso
09/09/2018
Debbie, I m so sorry for your loss. I spent many days throughout my life visiting your Mom and Dad when I came back to Iowa. I talked to your Dad a few weeks ago when I was visiting my Uncle Nick Mancuso. I pray for you and your families comfort through this time.
Dominic and Renee Colosimo
09/09/2018
Dominic (Meco) thought a lot of Dante. He isn't able to attend his funeral but we wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings.
Margaret santangelo
09/08/2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you .he was one of a kind .xox
Ms. C. Brock
09/08/2018
My condolences to the family of Mr. Fresco. Isaiah 25:8
Jeffrey V Barber
09/08/2018
Dante Fresco became a mentor for me in my late teens. He taught me work ethic, respect for those around me, and individual responsibility.
I was fortunate to have stopped by for a visit recently, I took the chair he offered and sit with Dante in his favorite, garage view. We talked about old times and old friends.
I will miss Dante, but the moral characteristics he instilled in me at that young age will be in my life forever. God speed Dante.
kathi lott (fessler)
09/06/2018
Danny was my best friend and will be truly and deeply missed and never forgotten. he was one of a kind and every time i see or eat a celebrity tomato ill be thinking of your dad. Debbie my heart is with you and the family. i just loved your dad. love you all xoxox