Frank Marino Polestra

Born June 28, 1925 in New York, he was the son of Rocco and Clementina (Scognamiglio) Polestra of Italy.

Beloved husband of Marina DeVitis Polestra; devoted father of Marino (deceased), Antonio, Julia Poe and her husband Kerry; step-father of Giuseppe Federici, proud grandfather of Alexander, Margherita Morrow and her husband Brad and their daughters Lily and Elizabeth; loving brother-in-law of Roberto DeVitis, his wife Silvana and their son Francesco.

Dr. Polestra was a research scientist for Avco Corp in the Apollo reentry program. He also held research positions for RCA and Poloroid. In 1969 he joined The Pioneer Group. There he founded Pioneer Capital Corp where he served as President and General Partner for 13 years. He subsequently founded Pioneer Venture Capital, and both founded and was Managing Director of Ascent Venture Partners for many years.

Dr. Polestra held a Doctorate from Federico II University in Naples Italy and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Yale University, all degrees in physical chemistry.

Calling hours will be held Monday, August 21, from 9-11 AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM at the Duckett-J.S. Waterman & Sons Home of Memorial Tribute, 656 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Sudbury. Burial will be in Italy.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Yale University Merit-Scoholarship and mailed to: Contribution Processing, Yale University, PO Box 2038, New Haven, CT 06521-2038