SOUTH THOMASTON — Franco “Frank” Ferraiolo, 53, died unexpectedly on Sept. 1, 2016, in Rockport. He died doing what he loved, working on a job site.

Born in Bangor on Dec. 3, 1962, he was the son of Vincent Ferraiolo and Filomena Clemente Ferraiolo. Frank grew up in Camden, graduating from Camden-Rockport High School, Class of 1981. During high school, Frank was a member of the varsity soccer team and excelled on the field. Frank was raised in a close family and had a special bond with each member. They will forever miss his strength, laughter and his mischievous teasing.

Following graduation, Frank attended Northeastern University in Boston for one year before transferring to University of Maine at Orono. There he earned an Associates Degree in civil engineering. Frank returned to his beloved Midcoast Maine and began employment in the family business, then Vincent Ferraiolo and Sons. Eventually his father retired, and Frank stayed on with his brother, running the now, Ferraiolo Construction Inc.

Frank loved his work and his company; it was his life. Over his 30-year career, Frank has been involved in and completed hundreds of projects. He was great at what he did and took pride in the satisfaction of his customers. The relationships he built were based on trust, honesty and hard work. He was known for his high energy level on site, and was always willing to do anything it took to get the job done. Anyone that knew him appreciated his humor and the quick wit that he loved to present with a straight face. His easy-going, calm demeanor allowed him to make friends wherever he went. He was well respected by all his employees, and he felt personally connected to each of them.

Frank's greatest joy in life was his best friend and soul-mate of 23 years, Crystal. Together they could accomplish anything. Whether it was at home cooking dinner, riding their beloved horses, doing barn chores or even at work on a daily basis, they spent every minute together. Crystal said Frank never left the house without a kiss and an “I love you.”

Although his daily life revolved around rocks and construction, Frank was actually a gentle soul. He was kind and honest and had a special place in his heart for animals. He was especially fond of his three horses, Willi, Pikard and Finnegan; his kitties, Bonnie, Clyde, Mr. Bojangles and Tootsie; one cool rooster named Phyllis; and two hens, all of whom Frank fondly referred to as his "kids." He was interested in animal communication and energy healing and believed in the power of connective energy.

He loved being outdoors at his home in South Thomaston, spending time in his many vegetable gardens and orchards, often giving away much of what he grew.

Frank was predeceased by his four-legged constant companion dog, Carly; his horse, Cappy; Crystal's horse, Discovery; Nicky, the rescue horse and Lana, the “grouchy dog.”

The world will not be the same without Frank Ferraiolo, for all who knew and loved him, life is forever changed.

Frank is survived by his parents, Vincent and Filomena Ferraiolo of Camden; his soul-mate and life partner, Crystal Darling of South Thomaston; his brother, John Ferraiolo and his wife, Tammra, of Owls Head; his sisters, Candida Schwartz and her husband, Craig, of Portland, Ore., and Anna Ferraiolo of San Francisco, Calif.; a niece and nephew, Phoebe Ferraiolo of Owls Head, and Lucian Bogar and his wife, Laura, of San Francisco, Calif.; Crystal's parents, George and Jan Darling of Clinton, who lovingly referred to Frank as their son-in-law; Crystal's sister, Cathy Darling and her partner, Mike Ponteau; his step-daughter, Bethany Cogswell and her companion, Brett Brown, of Woodstock, Ga.; his grandchildren, Tristan and Brysen Brown, who were quick to call out “Grampa Frank, Grampa Frank”;; and his best-friend, Jay Bonarrigo of Searsmont; as well as too many friends to count, and more than 20 employees and friends at Ferraiolo Construction, whom Frank and Crystal referred to as “Our Boys.”

He will be sadly missed by countless members of the construction industry, the horse community and the many acquaintances that he touched with his special charm.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of Frank's life will be held Friday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church 150 Broadway in Rockland. The Rev. Robert Valliancourt will officiate.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.