In Loving Memory of Frank Thomas Ventimiglia III

In Loving Memory of Frank Thomas Ventimiglia III, age 55, passed away peacefully at Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs on May 4, 2018.

Frank was born May 13, 1962 and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He enlisted in the United States Navy directly after graduation from Doherty High School in 1980.  Based in Norfolk, VA throughout much of his military career, Frank proudly served his country for 13 years. Having served during both Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Frank was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1993 a Gulf War Veteran.  Upon returning home, he enrolled in school and received his degree in Fire Science.  Frank volunteered with the Falcon Fire Department for many years until his health would no longer allow him to continue.  He worked civilian jobs to pay the bills until he retired and took on the difficult task of caring for his mother until her death in 2008.  Following her passing, he remained retired and continued to enjoy his friends and pets.

Frank loved a good joke and making people laugh with his unique sense of humor.  He could be fiercely sarcastic, and there are several “Frankisms” that we still employ today.  Frank was empathetic and caring to people around him, and often tried to find the lighter side of a situation.  His positive demeanor endeared him to the staff at Hospice, even though he was only there a short time.  Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, gun collecting, shooting competitions, eclectic music, endless movies, all things chocolate, and cooking with lard.  Frank had a big soft spot for animals, and he spoiled his dogs with too much food, too little discipline, and an abundance of love.  Frank was well read and especially knowledgeable about Naval ships and military wars & battles.  Having a vast “book of useless knowledge” in his head, he enjoyed the show Jeopardy! often calling out the answers before contestants rang in and berating them for getting it wrong.  Bullheaded yet compassionate, pragmatic yet spiritual.  Ever hopeful to the end, Frank was a kind soul who lived his life simply, and he will be terribly missed by his family and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Ventimiglia and Rosalie (Frontiero) Ventimiglia.  He is survived by his sisters, Lynanne (Sam) Kuhn, and Annette (Mike) Bow, as well as his niece Sarah (Ryan) Myers, his nephew Nathan Meredith, his grandnephew Emmit Myers, and his close friends who loved him like family.  Frank requested donations be made to the Gold Star Mother’s organization.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Return to Nature Funeral Home parlor, 123 East Las Animas Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, with Navy honors to follow.

Services are under the direction of Return to Nature Funeral Home, Colorado Springs, Colorado www.returntonaturecolorado.com