Obituary of Frank George Giancaspro

Frank Giancaspro World War II Marine Veteran dies at 91 Frank George Giancaspro was born in his family's home on July 7, 1920 to parents John and Carmella in Hillside New Jersey. They later moved to 18th Street, Newark. Here, the family grew and Dad with his brothers John, Joseph and Angelo enjoyed Sunday family dinners of homemade pasta, and gravy, golden school days, and street stick ball. At age 20 Dad enlisted in the Marine Corp. Dad met the love of his life Margaret Vitollo in 1941. They courted for two years and married on December 27, 1942 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Shortly after their marriage Dad was deployed to California. Moving to San Diego mom stayed with Dad until he shipped out. She then returned to her family in New Jersey to wait for Dad's safe return. During that time mom worked for the War Department. Dad served his country in the Pacific campaign. He fought on Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal and Guam for 27 months. To the answer of many prayers, Dad returned home safely in 1944. Mom and Dad began their life together, living in Newark. They were blessed with the birth of their son Frank in 1946, the first grandchild for both families and blessed again in 1947 with their beautiful baby daughter Johanna. Dad supported our family as an independent Automobile Damage Appraiser. Life was good. The tradition of Sunday dinners lived on and day trips to the Jersey Shore, boardwalk rides, and fun at Pleasureland Swim Club. Dad always enjoyed many good times with his brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews at family get-togethers. In 1959 we moved to Verona. Johanna met her husband John at Verona High School. Dad was proud to walk here down the aisle on June 17, 1967. Mom and Dad were blessed with two grandchildren, John and Frank. Dad could not have been more proud when Frank graduated from Kings college in 1968. Frankie met Barbara and they married in 1972. Another grandchild, Daniel was welcomed home in 1989. While in Verona dad was a member of the Italian-American Unity Club and the UNICO National Chapter of Verona. Dad and mom moved to Lions Head South Adult Community in Toms River. Dad began his love for golf and teed off to a hole in one at Lion's Head golf club. They enjoyed trips to Hawaii, St. Martin, Bermuda, Aruba and Las Vegas. Dad loved the simple life; his family and mom's good cooking, watching Yankee baseball or a Giant football game would make him happy. In 1996, Dad and mom and Johanna, John and family moved to Nevada, since Las Vegas offered no more snow and sunny weather every day. While living in Siena Dad joined the Siena Military Veterans where he was honored for his service during World War II. Dad was invited to the veteran's screening of the movie "Flags of Our Fathers" and he was introduced to the audience as the only living veteran survivor in attendance for that era; he received a standing ovation. Most recently Dad was honored by the Siena Military Veteran's group with a plaque and sand from the beach of Iwo Jima. Our family celebrated Dad's 90th birthday on July 4, 2010 with a great party at The Wynn, Las Vegas. Over 65 family and friends both local and from a distance joined to celebrate Dad's life. It was a fitting tribute to a great man. Our family and "The Greatest Generation" have lost a courageous Marine, beloved husband. loving father, grandfather "pop" and great grandfather "big pop". He will be missed by anyone who had the honor of knowing him. His memory will live in our hearts always. Dad is survived by his loving wife Margaret, son Frank and wife Barbara Giancaspro, daughter Johanna and husband John LeVecci, grand-children John and Hollis LeVecci III, Frank and Elaine LeVecci and step great-grand-daughter Lauren Gonzales and grandson Daniel Giancaspro; great-grand-children, Joseph Richard, and Anthony John LeVecci. A service will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at the Kraft Sussman Funeral Home, 3975 S. Durango Drive, Suite 104, Viewing from 9:30 - 11:30AM followed by Father Bevan's biblical service from 11:30AM - 12:30PM. The interment will be at the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, Nevada. Memorial Donation Suggestions: Joseph Kluxen Memorial Scholarship Fund Hightstown HS 25 Leshin Lane Hightstown, New Jersey 08520 Attention: Jessica Cotignola OR Wounded Warriors Project (Please donate online or by mail) www.woundedwarriorsproject.com Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675-8517 877 -832-6997 The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the Chancellor Gardens of the Lake for their excellent, compassionate care to our Dad.