TUCSON, Ariz. – Dante Francesco Fraboni, age 61, died from cancer on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Tucson. He was born on Aug. 4, 1960, in Hibbing, Minn., and was the youngest child of Angelo Domenic and Gloria Viola (Soderlund) Fraboni.
Dante moved with his family to Wisconsin in 1966 and graduated from Monona Grove High School. He studied fine art and commercial art at UW-Madison and MATC, respectively. Shortly thereafter, he set off for Arizona.
Dante spent the rest of his life in the Tucson area involved in the art community and established Dante Fraboni Studios. He worked in sandstone, designing, carving, and building signs and tables. Dante continued in metal art, using rusted steel to fashion garden art, gates, and arbors. His work was whimsical, beautiful, unique, thought provoking, and made people smile.
He was a soft-spoken man, insightful and kind with an uplifting word. He was admired by many within the Tucson Art Community, and was one among many lifelong friends of Bill W.
Dante was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Gloria Fraboni; and his sister, Jeannie Fraboni.
He is survived by his five siblings, Michael, Daria, Rosanne, Steven and Garry, along with their families; and his close longtime friends in the Tucson communities.
Dante’s funeral service and burial were held in Marana, Ariz. A celebration of his life will be held at Grace-St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St. Tucson, AZ at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Online condolences may be made at www.maranamortuarycemetery.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html.
Thank you to Liz for the love you showed and shared with Dante. Also, to Pancho for being Dante’s first and lifelong Tucson friend.
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Time: 10:00 am
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Post an EventOur sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
I met Dante last April at an art show in Fountain Hills while I helped at a friends booth. Dante was set up right next to us. I would watch over his booth while he went to get more product. We talked about my art work and he agreed to make some picture hangers for me. I visited his studio in Tucson in May and gave him the prototype, In early July he said he was sick and needed to get my prototype back to me. I told him I would stop by to pick it up. A month later, I stopped by his house to pick up my prototype only to find he had passed. I still can’t believe he is gone. Such a loss. He was a great artist and an even better listener. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Our sincere condolences... thoughts and prayers to the entire family and friends of Dante... such talent and a wonderful person. I am blessed that I have spent time with many of his family members...and many great memories. Go in peace young man...in living and loving your art D. Berny Bernstein & Jeanine Bernstein.. Monona
Our sincere condolences... thoughts and prayers to the entire family and friends of Dante... such talent and a wonderful person. I am blessed that I have spent time with many of his family members...and many great memories. Go in peace young man...in living and loving your art D. Berny Bernstein & Jeanine Bernstein.. Monona
My heart aches for the Fraboni Family. I don't think I ever met Dante but what an amazing spirit it sounds like he had. Whimsical, kind and so creative. He must have been so fun to be around and most sureadly left you will so many great memories. Cancer seems to have no bounds, I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to the world in which he lived. Big hug to you all.
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.