Obituary of Ignatius Frank Cuttita

April 13, 2026

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Ignatius (Frank) Cuttita. He was 93 years young.

Frank was born in Manhattan on March 20th, 1933 to Francis  P. and Nancy Cuttita (Demarco). He was a proud lifelong resident of New York City and also enjoyed spending time in Pennsylvania. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Anna (Buglione), of sixty years, his brothers Peter and Vincent Cuttita and sister Constance LaGratta, his children Francis, Fred, Christopher and Jennifer, his son-in-law Charles Violino and daughters-in-law Cathy, Carol, and Erica, and his nine grandchildren, whom he adored, Emily, Elizabeth, Mark, Victoria, Grace, Thomas, Nicholas, Annalise, and Matteo.

Frank co-owned and operated Clover Delicatessen with his brother, Peter. Located at 34^th Street and Second Avenue, Clover Deli was a neighborhood institution in the Kips Bay community for over sixty years. Frank especially enjoyed connecting with customers, getting to know people on a personal level, and building trust through conversation. This ability to connect extended into all areas of his life - even during his time at NYU Langone Medical Center where he became well known to doctors and nurses alike, often greeting them on a first-name basis. He frequently volunteered at the Rusk Rehabilitation Center at NYU as well as the Mended Hearts program to support survivors of cardiovascular disease.

A man of strong and enduring faith, he was deeply devoted to his church and parish community at Church of Our Saviour in Murray Hill. He served on the parish and finance councils and was a trustee of the church, always giving his time and energy to support the church he loved. He was also instrumental in organizing events such as Italian Night, bringing people together in celebration and community. In addition, he attended more than fifty spiritual retreats at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, NJ, a milestone that earned him special recognition and reflected the depth of his devotion.

Family was the center of his world. He cherished having his children and grandchildren with him at weekend gatherings and family dinners. These times were among the greatest gifts he gave to his children.

He was also someone who embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved to travel and took great pride in planning vacations with family and friends, especially to Italy and the Caribbean. He also had a deep love for music, celebration, and bringing people together. Whether at weddings, parties, or family gatherings, he was often found on the dance floor - encouraging others to join him and making sure no one was left sitting alone.

Frank was known for his positive spirit and his ability to find the bright side in any circumstance. He often greeted life with his familiar phrases, “I can’t complain” and “I’ve never been better.” Even in his final days, when asked how he was doing, he would smile and say, “I’m great - God gave me another day.”

His legacy lives on with his family and he will be remembered as a devoted father, a man of faith, a proud business owner, and someone who brought warmth, strength, and joy to all who knew him. His family will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider donating, in his name, to:

Mended Hearts Non-profit Organization

and/or to

Loyola Jesuit Center - Give Now - Morristown, NJ

Funeral Services