Frances S. Prino, 86, a good neighbor

Frances S. Prino of 15 Round Lake Road, a 40-year Ridgefielder who spent much of her life helping others, died Monday, Nov. 27, at Wilton Meadows. She was 86 years old and the widow of Bruno Prino.

A native of northern Italy, Mrs. Prino was born on Sept. 18, 1914 in the town of Retorbido, a daugher of Edoardo and Maria Pedrazzani Spiotti. She emigrated to the United States a year later, settling in New York where she attended schools and lived for many years.

In the mid-1950s, her husband, a carpenter, began building a summer and vacation home on Round Lake Road in Ridgefield. After he died suddenly in 1956, friends and family members took over the project, driving up to Ridgefield weekends to work in their spare time over three years to complete the house. In 1959, Mrs. Prino learned how to drive a car and moved from the city to her new home on Round Lake Road.

Over the years Mrs. Prino became well-known for her efforts to help others. "She was a true neighbor," said her daughter, Francine A. Fischer of Ridgefield. "Anyone who ever came in contact with found her very giving. She dedicated her whole life to helping people."

For instance, for many years, she helped a housebound couple who lived in the neighborhood, shopping and cooking for them. A longtime member of the OWLS, she often gave rides to members who were no longer able to drive. "She devoted her life to her family and friends," Mrs. Fischer said. "She was a very warm and giving person."

Besides her daughter and her son-in-law, Hans Fischer, Mrs. Prino is survived by a son, Thomas Prino of Ridgefield, and four grandchildren: Joshua and Jessica Fischer, and Brandon and Travis Prino, all of Ridgefield. Two brothers, Frank Spiotti and Arthur Spiotti, died before her.

Graveside services will take place in St. Raymond's Cemetery, the Bronx, at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Mrs. Prino's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Fairfield County, 607 Main Avenue, Norwalk CT 06851-1758. The Kane Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.