Frank James Ciaravella

Frank James Ciaravella died peacefully at home with his family on July 2, 2005. He was 80. Born April 25, 1925 in Barnesboro, PA, he was the son of the late, Matthew Ciaravella and Lucy Ann LaPuma. At an early age, Frank learned how to play the mandolin, saxophone, and clarinet and took music lessons through high school. The streets of Barnesboro PA could often be filled with music from a small group of aspiring musicians of whom Frank was a participant. Frank graduated from Barnesboro High School in 1942. With WWII raging in Europe, Frank’s desire was to enlist after graduation, but his father was adamantly against it since he was only 17. Frank’s patriotic convictions were so strong he lied about his age and enlisted. Frank trained and graduated with Company A, 16th Armored Replacement Battalion, Fort Knox, Kentucky, August 1943. Thereafter, Frank served as a Tank Commander of Medium Tank Crewman, and fought five campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes Forest, Rineland, and Central Europe. On December 19, 1945, Frank was discharged as a Sergeant of Company B, 70th Tank Battalion, having earned the Presidential Citation for Hurtgen Forest, a Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five Bronze Stars. Frank remained active in the 70th Tank Battalion Association reunions and newsletters, as well as his continued correspondence with his comrades. He served as President of the 70th Tank Battalion Association 1991- 1992, and was Treasurer through 2004. Frank loved a vigorous conversation of politics, and in his later years began telling stories of his life in WWII. After discharge from the Army, Frank continued to play in a band, which helped to finance his education at St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, where he earned his BS in Finance and Accounting in 1951. Frank taught accounting in the evening at Catonsville Community College for many years while working as an Accountant for Westinghouse until his retirement in 1986. In the interim, Frank met Edna Mae Felix in 1954, and courted her affections to their marriage on November 16, 1957 in Barnesboro, PA. Frank and Edna then resided in Glen Burnie where they raised their five sons, Francis, Peter, John, Michael, and James. Frank was a devote Roman Catholic and served with Holy Trinity Parish in Glen Burnie for many years, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his retirement, Frank volunteered his time to the elderly, assisting them with their yearly tax preparations, and donated much to many charities throughout his lifetime. Frank was highly respected by his coworkers, and admired by those who knew him. In 1976, Frank and Edna built a second home in Romancoke on Kent Island where Frank would join Edna on the weekends. Frank and Edna lived for, and instilled deep Catholic convictions, patriotism, and compassion in their growing family. Frank was proud of his Sicilian heritage, and enjoyed cooking whenever he could. Upon entering their home, you would hear Italian music and find Frank in the kitchen cooking lasagna or a new recipe that inspired him. Life at the shore home was all about family, crabbing, boating, eating and music. Edna preceded Frank in death on February 20, 2004, but remained the love and devotion of his life. Frank is survived by five sons, Francis M. Ciaravella of Glen Burnie, Peter A. and Barbara Ciaravella of Glen Burnie, John F. and Grace Ciaravella of Stevensville, Michael F Ciaravella of Stevensville and James J. Ciaravella of Stevensville; four grandchildren, Amanda and Kaitlyn Ciaravella of Glen Burnie, and Carrie and David Swartz of Stevensville; one great grandson, Aiden Michael Ciaravella of Glen Burnie; one sister Carmella Serafin of Johnstown, PA, one brother Joseph and Verna Ciaravella of Hampstead, MD., one Aunt, Rose Ciaravella Leone, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Lucy LaPuma Ciaravella; his wife, Edna Mae Felix Ciaravella, sister Vivian Ciaravella, and his special aunts and uncles, Josephine Ciaravella, Mary Ciaravella Bernunzio, and Anthony Ciaravella, Sam LaPuma, Angelo LaPuma, James LaPuma, Joseph LaPuma, Ignacious LaPuma and John LaPuma. The family wishes to give special thanks to Queen Anne’s County Hospice for their compassionate services, Father Jennings of St. Christopher’s Church in Chester, MD, Frank’s brother, Joe and his wife Verna for their constant support, as well as the many friends and family members who will remain in their hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the United Communities Volunteer Fire Department, or Queen Anne’s County Hospice, or St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Chester, MD. A funeral mass will be held 12PM on Thursday July 7, 2005 at St. Christopher''s Catholic Church in Chester, MD where family and friends may call 1 hour before. The interment will be in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Crownsville, MD. Family and friends may call on Wednesday July 6, 2005 form 6PM to 8PM at the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P. A. in Chester, MD.