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I live in Plainville, Massachusetts. I have lived here for thirty-three years. When we moved here, our children were young and the town had a population of about 6,000 people. The town has now grown to a population of about 8,000, but it still has that small-town, family-oriented feeling.
Today I went to a funeral in Plainville. The funeral was for Frank Sorrento, who died last Saturday. The Sun Chronicle published his obituary on Wednesday. When you read the obituary, it really doesn’t seem very different than the other obituaries on the page–it’s kind of a nice summary of some of the things Frank was involved in. But that is not anywhere near the whole story.
The obituary says that Frank grew up in Quincy and graduated from North Quincy High School. It doesn’t mention any further education. The obituary mentions his wife, his children, and other family members, but that really doesn’t tell you anything either.
There were so many people at the graveside today that the cemetery was almost totally full with the cars of the people who came to pay their respects. The reception after the funeral filled both floors of the senior center.
This was not really an ordinary man, although his obituary may have given that impression. Frank was a vital part of the town of Plainville. At various times in his life he was involved in the Jaycees, Little League and Cub Scouts. He was also part of the North Attleboro Sons of Italy. But even that list does not tell the whole story. Frank was one of those people who willingly provides the foundation that allows others to build. He and his wife Rosie (who has driven the Senior Citizens van since the mid 1980’s) have always worked to make Plainville a great place to live and raise children. They never sought the spotlight, they both simply continued to improve their part of the world. Frank will be missed. He showed how one person living his life and simply doing things to help the community and the people around him can truly make a difference. He really was not an ordinary man.
