Frank A. Pacific

Frank A. Pacific, 93, longtime resident of Trumbull and beloved husband of the late Eleanor M. Russell Pacific, died at home, with his devoted son by his bedside, August 24. He was born in Bridgeport, February 26, 1919, the son of Concetta DiBiaggio Pacifico and Pasquale Pacifico of Mondragone, Italia.

Survivors include a daughter, Pamela Foran, and her husband Bob, of Newtown; a son, Keith M. Pacific of Trumbull; and two grandchildren, Kaelin and Marissa Vecsey of Newtown; and many nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two sisters, Anna Pacifico and Rose Pacifico.

He proudly served in the US Army during World War II. In February of 1942 he served under Patton with the 45th Field Hospital, obtained rank of corporal and was a chaplains assistant, medic, and bugler. Upon his discharge he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, and European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. He composed and arranged the 3rd Regimental March.

He was an outstanding instrumentalists of the Big Band Era, accredited for writing and arranging the “Frankie and Charlie Polka” and many other songs for the Johnny Wojnarowski Band. He traveled the country and world with his trumpet, playing in many orchestras and nightclubs.

Mr Pacific taught at Trumbull High School — German, science, music, electronics — and spoke multiple languages. He was also a member of the VFW Post 145 and Teachers Association as well as a parishioner of St Catherine of Siena, Trumbull.

Funeral services took place August 27. Interment was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

Memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405 or www.hospice.com.

To light a virtual candle, visit www.abriola.com.

The Newtown Bee        August 31, 2012