Frank Richard Pitruzzello

Frank Richard Pitruzzello, age 100 years, passed away on Dec 21st, 2024, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Jacksonville, FL. Frank lived a full and active life which saw an incredible array of world changing events.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Frank’s parents struggled to provide for eleven children during the Great Depression. But he excelled in his studies and went on to college, earning a scholarship to CCNY. His education was interrupted by WWII. He joined the Army and saw duty overseas in Germany. At war’s end, he continued his studies at CCNY, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

In 1949, Frank met the love of his life, Jane Pincha, on a blind date. They were married in February of 1950 and remained happily together until Jane passed away in 2008. During that time, faith and family were foremost in their lives. They raised four sons, were active in their church choir, several civic organizations such as AARP, and organized the Pitruzzello family reunions for over twenty years. Frank had a special place in his heart for his daughters (he said he never had “daughters-in-law,” only “daughters”) and his grand and great grandchildren.

Frank’s work as a mechanical engineer led him to Huntsville, AL, in the early 1960’s during the space race. He and his team provided the fuels used for testing the giant Saturn V rocket engines that propelled the astronauts to the moon in 1969. He remained active in NASA’s space programs until 1974, when he took a job with TVA until his retirement.

Frank is survived by his four sons Richard (Jackie), Michael (Mary), Scott (Nancy), and Frank (Susanna); 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. The family will hold a viewing on January 3rd, 2025, from 5-8pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 9:00am on Sat., Jan 4th, 2025, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 8523 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Boys Town, www.boystown.org/ways-to-give.

Military Honors will be performed February 28th, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32218.