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Francisco Pipolo
FRANCISCO PIPOLO
Cedar Rapids
Francisco Antonio Pipolo, 89, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Bronx, N.Y., died Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Iowa City. Visitation and funeral will be Friday, Feb. 6, at Ralph Giordano Funeral Home, with burial at St. Raymond Cemetery, all in the Bronx.
Survivors include his former wife, Charlotte Pipolo of Eagle Rock, Mo.; a son, Douglas Pipolo; stepsons, Kenneth and Raymond Conn; brother, Louis Pipolo; sisters, Julie Pace and Rosalie Marzec; grandchildren, Amanda, Jackson, TJ and Michael Pipolo, Nicole Conn, Justin Conn and Val Hansen and her children, Harley, Heavenly and Harmony.
He was preceded in death by his father, Francisco Antonio Pipolo; his mother, Anna Maria Pipolo; brothers, Joe, Sandy, Charlie, Bill, Rudy, Tony and Tommy; and sister, Ronnie.
He was born April 3, 1925, in New York City, the sixth of 12 children. He graduated from PS 71 and proudly served in the Navy during World War II. He was on the USS Bataan aircraft carrier as a member of the anti-aircraft gunner teams where he became a wounded warrior, losing most of his hearing for life. He received four medals for his service in the Pacific Theater, participating in multiple instrumental battles, including the naval convoy led by the USS Missouri (Big Mo) where Gen. Douglas MacArthur accepted the surrender of Japan. He named his only son after the great general.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the fabulous people at Kingston Hill senior home, 202 12th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, or to the Iowa City VA Health Care System volunteer transportation program, attention Tammy M.
Frank had incredible love for his immediate and extended family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a great ability to smile and enjoy life. He had a tremendous appetite and passion for great food, especially Italian and Asian seafood. He was a fan of horse racing and always knew what was happening in politics and the financial markets. He loved nicknames, especially with his grandchildren, and loved to shower them with food and money. He was known for his big money birthday and Christmas gifts and everyday "Beaner Days."
He leaves behind great memories and few regrets. He will be missed forever!
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