Frank M. Maio

66, of North Providence, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Lincolnwood Rehabilitation Center. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late John and Catherine (Calitri) Maio. Frank was the owner of Northeast Golf Sales in Seekonk.

At an early age, Frank was interested in golf. His passion for the sport was nurtured by his father, who also loved golf. Putting aside other sports, golf became his main focus. As he matured, he became a low handicap player and soon a professional golfer.

After a brief period as a professional, he decided to return to his amateur status. This allowed him to solely concentrate on his emerging retail golf store business. He eventually opened three stores (one in RI, two in MA). Always aware that retail stores could sell items at discount prices, he expanded quickly. His buying power allowed him to out sell “on course” golf shops.

His success offered many golf tournament sponsors, low prices. These prices attracted repeat customers, with some prizes frequently donated to their charities.

At 59, he was diagnosed with Aphasia. Within two years, he was placed in a nursing home. Because of his size and extent of the disease, he became difficult to control. He required male attendants, hence he was moved to various locations to suit that purpose.

Eventually he became incapacitated both physically and mentally. He succumbed after several years not recognizing neither friends nor relatives.

He will be remembered for his generosity, his perseverance, his humor, his love for animals and his passion for the New York Giants.

He is survived by his dear siblings, John Maio and his late wife Elaine, Jean Dionne and her husband Maurice, Linda Malone and her husband Thomas, and the late Joyce Malone and her late husband Frank. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews, Robert, Thomas, Tracie, Nadine, Jen, Tammy, Dena and the late Jon; great-nieces and great-nephews, Harrison, Mitchell, Ashlyn, Avery, Ava and Cameron.

His funeral service will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston on Tuesday, May 9th at 11:00 am. Burial will be private. VISITING HOURS will be held on Monday, May 8th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: RISPCA, 186 Amaral Street, Riverside, RI 02915.