Francesco "Frank" Babusci

Frank passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family after a 14-year battle with cancer. He was born in the family home in Pizzone, Italy in 1964 and immigrated with his family to the United States of America at the age of 2. He returned to Italy many times over the years visiting family and spent time with our beloved Nonna Giovanna.

Frank began his professional career at Delta airlines working the ramp and also as a bartender in the Delta Sky Club Lounge. He then worked at Japan Airlines, JAL Cargo, for several years and formed many friendships with his co-workers. He enjoyed the travel benefits working with the airlines, and he traveled to many distant places including Australia, Japan, Prague, Germany, England and Italy.

During his time at JAL he started working in the evenings at a local bar in Chicago where he fine-tuned his bartending skills and got the bug to do more in the industry. He opened Club Caie in the city's North side, later changing the name to Café Allure. The club was successful for many years featuring seasoned DJ's and giving new DJ's a chance to work on their artistry. He was part of opening or managing several bars in the Chicagoland area including Wrigleyville, Plainfeld, and Joliet.

On November 2, 2007 he was diagnosed with a rare head and neck cancer, called Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC). At the time of his diagnosis, the only treatments available were surgery and radiation. Over the course of the years, other the therapies became available and he endured many treatments, each taking a toll on his body, but he continued to fight.

In 2011, with his entrepreneurial spirit he persuaded his best friend to expand their business in their existing wholesale meat company. He worked closely with them to develop an online presence for their walk-in store. With Frank's guidance, the “cash and carry” side of the meat market has prospered and become a name in the Chicagoland area for wholesale meats to the public. He was very proud of the endeavor.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Enzo and Cristina (nee Savaiano) Babusci. He is survived by his siblings who will miss him dearly. Anna (Michael) Sanzone, Ralph (Terese Henricks) Babusci, and Assunta "Sandy" (Nathan) Peterson. He leaves behind loving nieces and nephews; Michael (Reed Stewart) Sanzone, Krystin Sanzone, Stevie Sanzone, Alex Babusci, and Olivia Babusci, and his great-niece, Vaida Newall.

Frank was so greatly loved and will be missed by many including his aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. He cherished each of his friendships, especially his life-long childhood friend, Caie Morrice. He always kept a special place in his heart for Callyn Christensen.

The family would like to thank Loyola Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Eytan Szmuilowicz and his team, and all the nurses, doctors and staff at Journey Care Hospice.

Visitation Tuesday, April 12, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS) 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. Funeral Services Begin: Wednesday 9:00 A.M.at the Funeral Home and will proceed to St. Paul of the Cross Church, Park Ridge. Funeral Mass 10:00 A.M.. Committal Service to follow at the Acacia Park Cemetery.