Obituary of Frank Joseph Marinaro

Lieutenant Colonel Frank Joseph Marinaro passed away on October 8, 2014 in Leesburg, VA. He was born January 8, 1928 in East Orange, NJ, the son of the late Salvatore and Maria Antonia (Grieco) Marinaro. He graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1953 with a degree in civil engineering. Lt Col Marinaro served our country for 20 years in the Air Force as a navigator, bombardier, Intelligence Targeting Office and nuclear weapons specialist. While stationed in Albuquerque, NM, he helped develop and test nuclear bombs. Lt Col Marinaro served in Vietnam, flying two hundred (200) combat air missions over North Vietnam. His awards and decorations include the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and other awards. Frank was preceded in death by his wife Dolores. He is survived by his sister Brigida Marinaro, his children Frank Marinaro Jr, Mike (Debbie) Marinaro, Kathy Marinaro, Sandi (Mike) Volpe, and Steven (Melanie) Marinaro, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral Mass at 1pm, Saturday, October 25 at Saint Luke Catholic Church. 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia 22101 Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Donations suggested to Wreaths Across America (www.wreathsacrossamerical.org) or the Special Olympics (www.specialolympics.org) Please visit Frank's "Book of Memories" at West Point (apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/19221/)