Frank D. DeRito, 63, Founder of Fine Men's Clothier on State Street

From Fluehr.com:

Frank D. DeRito of Newtown, PA died suddenly of a massive heart attack on Thursday June 12th in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was 63 years old. Frank was born in Philadelphia, PA., and was the beloved son of the late Louis P. and Vienna Ciocci DeRito.

Frank was the owner and founder of Frank DeRito, Fine Men’s Clothier on State Street in Newtown, PA. During college, Frank proudly served in the United States Army and later received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree, in Fabric Design and Marketing from the Philadelphia College of Textile and Science, while on a full scholarship. He then perfected his trade in Italy, working in the fashion capital of Milan, with Oscar de la Renta on the upscale men’s suit division of the “After Six” fashion line. Upon his return from Italy, Frank worked at the Hirsch-Tyler Company of Philadelphia, designing and supplying dress uniforms for West Point, The Naval and Air Force Academies, Military schools, and Police and Fire companies across the country.

In 1982, Frank branched off and started his own custom clothing company in the U.S. Upon opening Frank DeRito Fine Men’s Clothier, his personal business achieved success quickly, as he became House Tailor for Lehman Brothers and Bear Sterns in New York, and at one time was the # 1 shirt maker on Wall Street. During his 32 years in business, he dressed names such as Wayne Gretsky, David Letterman and Vaughn Hebron to name a few. He became a legend on Wall Street and was one of the few House Tailors and Custom Clothier’s left in the country.

Frank is survived by his 2 loving children; Vienna Sophia, 22 and Nikolaos Louis Frank, 19; and their mother Kalypso DeRito. He is also survived by his three younger siblings; brother Louis P. DeRito (Annette); sister Diane D. Frost (Barry), brother John M. DeRito; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewings Friday evening June 20th from 7:00 pm to 9:00pm and on Saturday from 8:00am until 9:15am at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd, (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA. and to his Funeral Mass 10:00am at the Church of St. Andrew, 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA.

Interment will follow immediately at Newtown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested by the family to help Frank’s children via The DeRito Children Fund (Set up to support their educational and living expenses) , c/o 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. Richboro, PA. 18954.