Frances D’Amato

Frances D’Amato, age 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Lawrenceville, Georgia on August 13, 2024. Her last words, spoken with her son Mario, were The Lord’s Prayer. She was born Francesca Maria Ruffolo in Marano Principato, Italy on July 20, 1939. She immigrated to Blue Island, Illinois with her father at the age of sixteen. In the Spring of 1963, Frances met Antonio “Tony” D’Amato, who had recently immigrated to the United States from Italy. That August they were married and settled in Blue Island where they raised their three children. In June 2019, Frances and Tony moved to Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Frances had the gifts of being compassionate, non-judgmental, and skillful in showing her love through her amazing talents in the kitchen, as countless people who have visited their home over the years would attest. Guided by traditional family values and her deep faith in Christ, Frances was a pillar of strength and support for her family and many others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michele and Cristina Ruffolo. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Antonio D’Amato, and their three children, Michael D’Amato, Rosetta (Anthony) Johnson, and Mario D’Amato; and her sisters, Gloria Ruffolo, Gemma (Vito) Sinisi, and Antoinette (Patrick) Davis.

Frances will be laid to rest at Honey Creek Woodlands (on the grounds of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit) in Conyers, Georgia. Graveside Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Honey Creek Woodlands.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities USA at https://donate.catholiccharitiesusa.org/.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.