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<em>Frank Colacicco</em> was born in Utica, NY, in 1915. He was the son of Erminio and Rosa Colacicco, who immigrated to the U.S. from Italy early in the century. Frank graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1933 and followed his brothers in joining the New York National Guard. His first attempt at gaining admission to West Point was unsuccessful, so he decided he needed additional preparation. He moved to El Paso, TX, where he lived with his sister Anne and her husband, Dominick J. Calidonna ’29, and attended the Texas College of Mining and Metallurgy and Army Preparatory Schools at Ft. Bliss and Camp Bullis. Frank Colacicco was appointed to USMA from the Texas National Guard and entered with the Class of ’40 on 1 Jul 1936.</p>
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One of Frank’s favorite stories from his cadet days concerned the reaction of a member of the Beast Detail who delivered a telegram from his family wishing him a happy 21st birthday on 4 Jul 1936. Needless to say, the young gentleman was not pleased. His cadet days in H-Company were relatively uneventful. Friends relate that his stories about his Plebe year always started out with “There I was—a New York Italian appointed from the Texas National Guard and integrated into an unlikely trio of an Irishman from New Jersey (Charlie Shaunesey), and an “Army brat” tin school Englishman (Sam Goodwin). He selected Infantry as his branch—Artillery still had horses.</p>
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During his First Class year, Frank met Anna Olga Horn, and they married in June 1941, beginning an adventure that endured through thick and thin for 56 years.</p>
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Upon graduation, Frank joined the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, guarding the entrances to New York Harbor. The next two years were spent in preparation for WWII—including maneuvers in the Carolinas and Puerto Rico. In 1942, Frank departed for the United Kingdom and three years of combat with the 18th Infantry. He commanded the regiment’s cannon company—halftracks, no horses. He participated in all the 1st Division’s campaigns—Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and the Ardennes. His war ended when his jeep hit a mine east of the Rhine, and in 1947, he retired as a result of his wounds. He was a proud member of the Society of the 1st Division and, in 1992, participated in the ceremonies at Ft. Riley marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the 1st Infantry Division.</p>
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Dad tested several careers after retiring. He tried real estate and sold himself a house. Next, came a stint as a Junior ROTC instructor at McKinley High School in Washington, DC. He enjoyed that but felt he couldn’t provide for his growing family. In 1950, he joined the Rural Electrification Administration as a management trainee.</p>
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Finally, Dad joined the Central Intelligence Agency and enjoyed that work. We moved so much that it seemed he had not left active service. Many assignments were with his Army friends. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College in 1954 and the Army War College, graduating in 1959.</p>
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Overseas assignments were to the American Embassy in London during 1955—58, the Southern Command Staff in Panama during 1961—64, and the Pacific Command Staff in Hawaii during 1967-70.</p>
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Loyalty to family and country guided our father throughout his life. His devotion to his country is well-documented in the public record, and his devotion to his family is deeply engraved in our hearts and memories. He and our mother raised six children—Patricia, Michael ’69, John ’70, Daniel, David, and Vicki-Marie. Dad and Mom were strict disciplinarians. We were raised to accept their standards, best summed up by West Point’s motto of Duty, Honor, Country. Their discipline was tempered with love and understanding. Dad loved to play games with his children. We are all experts in two or more card games. His daughters-in-law came to know him and love him as “Dad,” not just their father-in-law. To his 15 grandchildren, he was “Grandad”—that wonderful person who always had time to listen to a story, go for a walk, or play a game.</p>
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In the summer of 1997, Dad and Mom moved back to the Washington, DC, area from their retirement home in Melbourne Beach, FL. That fall, they moved into The Fairfax at Ft. Belvoir, where they were once again surrounded by many of their Army friends. In January 1998, Dad took a serious fall that resulted in a head injury. He spent several months in the nursing facility at The Fairfax, receiving therapy so he could return to their apartment. Dad was making significant improvement, until he suddenly developed a severe infection and died one week later. He passed from this life in April 1998, surrounded by his family.</p>
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The memorial service was a celebration of his life, and his sons and grandson Paul spoke of their fond memories and feelings for him. In giving the eulogy, his son Mike said that his dad was his hero—a sentiment echoed by everyone in attendance. Dad’s remains were cremated, and he was laid to rest with full military honors at his rockbound highland home, a place that meant so much to him during his life. Dad was truly a great American and an inspiration to all who knew him.</p>
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Frank Colacicco was a distinguished soldier, dedicated civil servant, devoted husband and father, and cherished friend. Be thou at peace.</p>
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<em>Son Michael and roommate Sam Goodwin ’40</em></p>