Frank Casserino

After graduating from Lindenhurst High School, where he was an All-State linebacker, Frank attended the United States Air Force Academy, graduating in 1977 with a BS in Astronautical Engineering. In 1980 he earned an MBA from the University of Santa Clara, CA. Frank was a member of the Astronaut Program and was selected as the prime Payload Specialist for the space shuttle flight in September 1986. In 1993, he led the creation of a Reserve Space Program, standing up the 7th Space Operations Squadron. In subsequent years, he created a Reserve space group, the 310th Space Group, and ultimately the 310th Space Wing. He is known throughout the United States Space Force as the “Father of the Reserve Space Program.”

Frank served in the United States Air Force at the Squadron, Group, Major Command, and Air Staff level. He commanded several organizations, leading his Airmen with the credo “Family of Professionals,” a term that endures across many reserve space organizations today. He retired from the United States Air Force on December 1, 2011. In his civilian career, Frank worked for the Aerospace Corporation as a space engineer and consultant for Air Force Space Command.

Frank was preceded in death by his father, Frank J. Casserino, Sr. He is survived by his wife Gloria, son Josh, and daughter Gina, mother Aida, and four siblings.

Frank was a father figure, mentor, and leader to all who worked with him. He stood by his priorities of Faith, Family, and Service throughout his life and will be remembered as an individual who left an impact on all who knew and loved him.

Interment will be held at 3:00 pm at the United States Air Force Academy cemetery on January 15, 2021. A memorial event is being scheduled for summer 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in memory of Frank J. Casserino be made to Officers’ Christian Fellowship at https://www.ocfusa.org or mail to Officers’ Christian Fellowship, 3784 South Inca Street, Englewood, CO 80110.