Francisco Frank J Cartolaro

Born Dec. 15, 1921, to Tony Cartolaro and Carmella (Minetti) Cartolaro in West Virginia, he was a resident of Trevose for 42 years.

Frank worked as a youngster in the coal mines of West Virginia and then on Dec. 8, 1941, one day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served with the 3rd Marine Division, 21st Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Company F. He was called to duty and sworn in Aug. 3, 1942 and boarded ship Dec. 28, 1942.

He was a ground trooper in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. He was one of many Marines who held off the Japanese as the American flag was raised on Mount Suribachi. He was twice wounded in action and was the recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries received July 26, 1944 and Feb. 25, 1945.

When Frank returned from the war, his family had moved to Philadelphia, so he joined them and found work at the Continental Whiskey Factory where he became a whiskey blender (a talent his family has enjoyed for years!). It was here, he met his future wife, Margaret Goodwin, whom he married June 26, 1948.

Frank later went on to work at Pincus Brothers Maxwell as a custom tailor, and also was a custom cabinet maker, who made many beautiful items for family and friends.

Frank was a life member of the Chapel of the Four Chaplin's, D.A.V., Marine Corp League, Veteran of Foreign Wars, and Purple Heart Veterans.

During his retirement, he and Marge volunteered their time with the Habitat for Humanity's Castle Program; were volunteers with the Bucks County Opportunity Council, ran a 24hour food pantry from their garage and collected in front of food stores for all of the organizations.

Frank was dedicated to his family and friends and was always willing to help out anyone in need, whether he knew them or not. He loved a good joke and was always ready to tell stories of his childhood days and stories of the good times he had with friends and family. He loved watching old Westerns and TV shows like Bonanza and especially liked old World War II movies, but his favorite pastime was just being with his family.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 62 years, Margaret; daughter, Margie McCurdy and her husband, Terry; grandchildren, Matthew and his wife, Samantha, T.J. and his fiance, Jen Pileggi, Becky Miller and her husband, Larry; and the newest joy in his life, his great-grandson, Connor David McCurdy. He also is survived by his sister Frances O'Neill of Philadelphia; brother, Phil Cartolaro of Buena Vista, Va.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was met at the Gates of Heaven by his loving daughter, Carmella.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of St Mary Medical Center's ICU/CCU Department, Woodhaven Dialysis Center and Crossroads Hospice and Dr. Anis and his staff for the care, kindness and love they have shown Frank and his family these last three months.

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Forest Hills Cemetery.

At Frank's request, in lieu of flowers, please make your donations to The Wounded Warriers Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-735. Semper Fi.