Francis V Taaffe

Francis (Frank) Vincent Taaffe, 92, passed away peacefully, October 1 2016 at Halifax Hospice Port Orange Care Center in Port Orange Florida. Frank was born August 21, 1924 in Albany New York to Charles A. Taaffe Sr. and Catherine Pine. Frank was a Surgical Technician in the U.S. Army aboard the United States Ship LST 499 which participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy France. On June 8, 1944 (D-Day +2) the ship hit a sea mine and Frank was severely injured for which he received the Purple Heart. After his service to our Nation, Frank returned to Albany and attended Siena College completing a degree in accounting and worked in the accounting profession for 25 years. He then transitioned to employment with the U.S. Postal Service for 12 years. Upon retirement he and his beloved wife Karoline, moved to Port Orange to be close to their grandchildren. Frank is predeceased by his mother Catherine, father Charles Sr. and brother Charles Jr. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Karoline, sons Kevin and Thomas (Cheryl), daughter Patricia Rizzo (Steve) and by four grandchildren; Thomas Taaffe II, Lauren Rizzo, Daniel Rizzo (Michaela) and Madison Taaffe. Frank was an avid dirt track stock car racing fan and enjoyed repairing cars. He enjoyed playing Golf with friends and bowling with Karoline. Frank and Karoline also enjoyed touring Europe and Norway together. Frank had a keen sense of humor and was never without a joke or funny comment to put a smile on your face. The family will receive friends on Wednesday October 5 at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 4815 Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange from 6 to 8 pm followed by a Catholic Mass at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 4675 Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange on Thursday October 6 at 8:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s name may be made at https://www.halifaxhealth.org/services-treatments/our-services/hospice-care/giving/donation-portal . In the “Designation” tab please specify the “Port Orange Care Center”. Visit www.Volusiamemorialfunerals.com to send the family an online condolence.