Celebrating the life of
Frank Maiorano
October 02, 1950 - February 07, 2014
Savannah- Frank Maiorano, 63, died at his home at Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia on Friday, February 7, 2014 surrounded by his family.
He was born October 2, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan to Lucia Maiorano and Joseph Maiorano. He lived the majority of his life in Savannah but his heart was in Michigan. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his wife, Toni Lynn Horn Maiorano on August 4, 2004.
He was a graduate of the University of Michigan, MBA and the Harvard School for Strategic Business Planning. A decorated Vietnam War Veteran stationed out of Fort Bragg, NC, Frank served his country from 1968-1972 in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was an E-5 and began training in 1968, "Q" course achieved, MOS in Intelligence and Demolition, Fort Bragg, NC, Jungle Expert School Panama 1971, One Zero Recon School, Long Than, Vietnam. Unit locations and positions include, 6th SFG Fort Bragg, NC Demo 5th SFG. A-255 Plie Me, Vietnam Intel/Demo, MAC-SOG CCN, Da Nang, Vietnam, One Zero RT Oklahoma One-One RT Mississippi, Phu Ba MLT-1 Convey rider.
Memorable experience: In 1970 he was assigned as one-zero TR Oklahoma. The NVA were in the process of re-routing the Ho Chi Minh Trail and their mission was to locate and recon the new route. The problem was that every other team that was inserted in the AO was immediately compromised. Their thinking was that the NVA LZ watchers would recon the different insertion LZ's and determine the actual insertion LZ by the absence of a firefight simulator. The intel sergeant at the launch site Quang Tri and Frank decided that upon insertion RT Oklahoma would trigger the firefight simulator at the actual LZ. The diversion worked and they were inserted undetected and the mission was a success. The new route was located and the B-53 strike was subsequently ordered. Awards include Parachutist Badge, Jungle Expert Badge, Combat Infantry Badge w/4 OLCs, Bronze Star w/ 2 OLCs, Air Medal w/2 OLCs, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Army Commendation Medal and Presidential Unit Citation. Civilian: President and CEO of New Columbia Development Corporation and international business development and consulting firm.
His awards include the National Defense service medal, good conduct medal parachute badge combat infantry badge 4 OS bars army commendation medal expert-16 Vietnams service and campaign medals bronze star air medal W/2 OLC.
Surviving are his mother, Lucia Maiorano of Roseville, Michigan; children, Kelly Mathers and her husband, Jason of Atlanta, Georgia and their children, Mariah and Aiden; Peggy Nevin and her husband, John of Savannah, Georgia and their children, Conner, Toni and Gunner; Frank "Cheech" Maiorano of Savannah, Georgia and his children, Nicholas and Sophia; Anthony Joseph Maiorano of Savannah, Georgia and his children, Dominic and Carmine; and his son/nephew, Michael Butt and his wife, Jincy Butt and sister, Mary Stivers of Kalamazoo, MI. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Frank was a member of the Roman Catholic faith.
Frank - Great American Hero. Great Cop. Great Businessman. Even Greater Friend! We traveled the world together Haiti, Peru. Korea, Romania, and it was always tremendous fun! From this old Marine to my good Army Buddy: Semper Fi!
- Mike Barnes, Chevy Chase, MD
My condolences go out the Maiorano family. Although I did not get the honor of meeting him in person I do know of him. I know how much of a great person he was. Rest in paradise , you will be loved and truly missed.
- Nicole McNeil, Charlotte, NC
Have and will miss you brother. Jess
- Jess Thompson, Loganville, GA
Frank I will miss seing your smiling face around The Landings and the club at lunch. I enjoyed sharing stories about Michigan with you. God Bless you and your family. Sincerely, George Jorgenson
- George Jorgenson, Savannah, GA
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
There are no good words at this time that would express my sympathy and condolences. I am sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. I had the honor and privilege of serving with Frank at CCN. He will not be forgotten.
- Jim Woodham, Eastman, GA
Frank was a kind, interesting, and friendly person. We knew him through our son and daughter-in-law who were his neighbors. He will be greatly missed. God bless him and his family. Helen & Vincent Ferraro
- Vincent Ferraro, Savannah, GA
Frank, Tim Gildea and I were just talking about you when you were flying Covey for TF1AE at PhuBai. I sent Tim a picture of he and you up on the roof of those barracks, repairing it after the typhoon blew it off around AUG 1971. Like D Kelly says, time waits for no one, and I regret not having contacted you sooner to connect again. steve yevich, Chase MLT-2; 11 RT Moccasin
- SY, , VA
Frank was a great brother in law and always very kind to his brother Alex and me. Thank you Frank for the laughs and kindness you gave to us.
- Sharon Maiorano, , GA
I was 1-0, RT Mississippi. Frank was assigned to my team while I was on extension leave and went to RT Oklahoma about when I got back, so I never went to the field with him. Really enjoyed seeing him again at SOAR a few years ago.
- Chuck Kennedy, Crockett, TX
So sorry for your loss
- Mark and Trina Grner, Savannah, GA
Frank, old buddy. It saddens me to know that you passed. I know that you will join your wife and it will be a grand reunion. I will always remember those few hours we shared over a cup of coffee a few years ago. We had both lost our wives to cancer so we share simular paths. You will alway be a part of the CCN Brotherhood. Like most of the brave warriors who served at CCN, you never feared much. When the call came, you were always there to meet whatever the mission called for. Keith Larson and I spoke of going to visit you but time stands still for no one, sorry we missed the oppertunity. You will be missed brother, Rest In Peace. LeRoy
- LeRoy R. Sen, Fort Bragg, NC
I was surprised and saddened to hear about Frank. I had the privilege of knowing Frank when we worked together in Beaufort, SC some time ago. He was such a positive force and his presence made my and our friend Larry's days more bearable. I will never forget how he left one day in an old Taurus and showed up to say hello a couple of weeks later in a 7 series BMW that wasn't even on the market yet ! I also still insist that we use the 'Miarano Method' when cooking pasta. All my best to the family at this time. sincerely, Borden
- Borden Snow, , MA
OUR COUNTRY HAS LOST A BRAVE WARRIOR!
- BUTCH GUDGER, ASHEVILLE, NC
My best friend! I love you and will miss you!
- Tom Everson, Tory, MI
R.I.P. my warrior brother. Frank and I were given a POW rescue mission with 2 known American POW's. I was one zero Team Leader of RT Crusader. We trained our teams for two weeks and while boarding the choppers the mission was aborted by higher. We never were given a reason. We talked about it at the last Studies and Observations Group Reunion SOAR he attended among many other great memories, like the floor show we stopped at CCN.
- Don Kelly, , NC
Served as one Zero, RT Florida at CCN
- Mel, puerto Plata, DR, - Other
Served as one Zero, RT Florida at CCN
- Mel, puerto Plata, DR, - Other
Frank and I served together in Vietnam, first at A-255 Plei Me, an A-camp South of Pleiku, and then at CCN just outside of DaNang. Being around Frank Maiorano was a blessing and a true honor. I haven't hurt like this in years. I had the privilege of talking to Frank just a few months ago. I hadn't spoke with Frank since 1971, since I left Vietnam. When I heard his voice a short time ago it was a breath of fresh air. We reminisced about A-255, CCN and of course Detroit. I was shocked to hear of his passing so soon after our talking. What a gentleman, a warrior, a pleasure to know him. Good bye Frank, love you buddy. Twitch
- Robert Twichell, Toledo, OH
Frank was one of my best friends in Savannah. We constantly talked politics, religion and the state of the world. Frank always talked loudly and with his hands. He was a joy to be around. I will miss him.
- Kevin Smith, Savannah, GA
We did some work over sea and I had great repect for him his knowlege of is work--George Washington Financial Corporation--
- James Schultz, Dejon, - Other
Frank had a traditional approach to manners and how one should conduct oneself. He loved his children more than anything in the world. He will be missed by all.
- Gregory Crawford, Savannah, GA
Another great warrior has left us. His dedication and service to his country to protect our citizens even in far away battles with no hestitaion to serve and protect. As a former Green Beret Medic, I salute him and his family for his dedication and service to our great country
- Robert F. Meyer, Conyers, GA
Frank was a dear friend of my wife Kathy and myself since high school. We shared many great times during those years.We stood up in each other weddings. He will always hold a dear spot in our hearts. I am grateful over the past few years we had a chance to reconnect and renew our friendship . RIP my friend you will never be forgotten.
- Ken Fiott, , MI
Frank & Toni have been friends of ours since 1972 and to us larger then life. We have many years of joy together from Detroit to Toronto to Georgia. He They will be missed and we love them very much. May God be with them! Forever in our hearts. Michael and Liberty Abraham Sterling Heights,Mi
- michael and liberty abraham, sterling heights,mi 48314, MI
My deepest condolences to the family of Frank. God will have a place for him on the next jump. God Bless.
- Chuck Abbott, Savannah, GA
We have lost a great soldier but he will always be part of 'The Brotherhood' and an honored member of the Special Forces community. May he rest in peace.
- Danny Gay, Fitzgerald, GA, GA
Gone but not forgotten. Rest in Peace my brother in arms. You will be missed by all.
- Arthur C. Tucker, Odenville, AL
I met Frank in Special Forces Training Group and we served together in several Groups and at CCN in Viet Nam. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed by me and many. Godspeed my friend!
- Gary L. Leonard, Houston, TX
I worked with Frank at O.C.Welch FLM in Beaufort, he was great to work with. A fantastic salesmen, honest to the bone, great sense of humor, good people. I will miss him.
- Roger Santana, Ridgeland, SC
Frank was a solid guy. I really enjoyed his upbeat attitude all the time. I will miss seeing him again at the SOA in Vegas.
- Jason, Spencer, NC
Frank was a good man and a true friend that was always willing to help in any way he could. My prayers are with his family. Rest in peace my friend.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
- Kelly Brewer Ussery, Savannah, GA
Frank and I are first cousins and I can remember all the days we spent at his house. Every Sunday all the cousins would all go to Grandpa's house and we would all play in this tiny room....He was a good cousin and a great man and I know he will be missed. Remember all the good and wonderful times that you had with Frank...that will help you in your time of sorrow and will help your heart to heal. My prayers and thoughts go with you. Julia
- Julia Jacques, Wolverine Lake, MI
Frank Frankie was my first cousin and to me he was always bigger than life. I never knew of his great accomplishments but that does not surprise me because he was a private person. We did not see each other very much but when we did it was fun, laughs and remembering old times. I wish to express my sorrow to his family and will always keep Frank in my prayers.
- Susan Navarro, Troy, MI
Bigger than life Frank. You always had the heart of a lion. All those dark times when they were bleeding us dry with casualties, you were special then and remain so in our hearts brother.We shall lament your passing and shout loud so that the boatman knows that a warrior has come among them.We shall miss you paisano.
- Nick Brokhausen, Palm Desert, CA
So sorry for the loss of your son and father. May he rest in Peace
- Ernie and Sandy Thompson, Savannah, GA
Michael & Jincy Even in your sadness, we hope that you will remember that life never ends, but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember. The special memories of your Uncle Frank will be a blessing to you in the days ahead. He's at peace in Heaven with Toni. With our deepest sympathies,love and prayers to all of you.
- Martha & Ray Thompson, Bloomingdale, GA
Frank - Great American Hero. Great Cop. Great Businessman. Even Greater Friend! We traveled the world together Haiti, Peru. Korea, Romania, and it was always tremendous fun! From this old Marine to my good Army Buddy: Semper Fi!
- Mike Barnes, Chevy Chase, MD
My condolences go out the Maiorano family. Although I did not get the honor of meeting him in person I do know of him. I know how much of a great person he was. Rest in paradise , you will be loved and truly missed.
- Nicole McNeil, Charlotte, NC
Have and will miss you brother. Jess
- Jess Thompson, Loganville, GA
Frank I will miss seing your smiling face around The Landings and the club at lunch. I enjoyed sharing stories about Michigan with you. God Bless you and your family. Sincerely, George Jorgenson
- George Jorgenson, Savannah, GA
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
Frank you are a good friend and brother. it was an ''Honor'' to have served with YOU at Ft. Bragg and CCN. We will miss you. Scott CASE
- Wm. Scott Case, pinson, AL
There are no good words at this time that would express my sympathy and condolences. I am sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. I had the honor and privilege of serving with Frank at CCN. He will not be forgotten.
- Jim Woodham, Eastman, GA
Frank was a kind, interesting, and friendly person. We knew him through our son and daughter-in-law who were his neighbors. He will be greatly missed. God bless him and his family. Helen & Vincent Ferraro
- Vincent Ferraro, Savannah, GA
Frank, Tim Gildea and I were just talking about you when you were flying Covey for TF1AE at PhuBai. I sent Tim a picture of he and you up on the roof of those barracks, repairing it after the typhoon blew it off around AUG 1971. Like D Kelly says, time waits for no one, and I regret not having contacted you sooner to connect again. steve yevich, Chase MLT-2; 11 RT Moccasin
- SY, , VA
Frank was a great brother in law and always very kind to his brother Alex and me. Thank you Frank for the laughs and kindness you gave to us.
- Sharon Maiorano, , GA
I was 1-0, RT Mississippi. Frank was assigned to my team while I was on extension leave and went to RT Oklahoma about when I got back, so I never went to the field with him. Really enjoyed seeing him again at SOAR a few years ago.
- Chuck Kennedy, Crockett, TX
So sorry for your loss
- Mark and Trina Grner, Savannah, GA
Frank, old buddy. It saddens me to know that you passed. I know that you will join your wife and it will be a grand reunion. I will always remember those few hours we shared over a cup of coffee a few years ago. We had both lost our wives to cancer so we share simular paths. You will alway be a part of the CCN Brotherhood. Like most of the brave warriors who served at CCN, you never feared much. When the call came, you were always there to meet whatever the mission called for. Keith Larson and I spoke of going to visit you but time stands still for no one, sorry we missed the oppertunity. You will be missed brother, Rest In Peace. LeRoy
- LeRoy R. Sen, Fort Bragg, NC
I was surprised and saddened to hear about Frank. I had the privilege of knowing Frank when we worked together in Beaufort, SC some time ago. He was such a positive force and his presence made my and our friend Larry's days more bearable. I will never forget how he left one day in an old Taurus and showed up to say hello a couple of weeks later in a 7 series BMW that wasn't even on the market yet ! I also still insist that we use the 'Miarano Method' when cooking pasta. All my best to the family at this time. sincerely, Borden
- Borden Snow, , MA
OUR COUNTRY HAS LOST A BRAVE WARRIOR!
- BUTCH GUDGER, ASHEVILLE, NC
My best friend! I love you and will miss you!
- Tom Everson, Tory, MI
R.I.P. my warrior brother. Frank and I were given a POW rescue mission with 2 known American POW's. I was one zero Team Leader of RT Crusader. We trained our teams for two weeks and while boarding the choppers the mission was aborted by higher. We never were given a reason. We talked about it at the last Studies and Observations Group Reunion SOAR he attended among many other great memories, like the floor show we stopped at CCN.
- Don Kelly, , NC
Served as one Zero, RT Florida at CCN
- Mel, puerto Plata, DR, - Other -
Served as one Zero, RT Florida at CCN
- Mel, puerto Plata, DR, - Other -
Frank and I served together in Vietnam, first at A-255 Plei Me, an A-camp South of Pleiku, and then at CCN just outside of DaNang. Being around Frank Maiorano was a blessing and a true honor. I haven't hurt like this in years. I had the privilege of talking to Frank just a few months ago. I hadn't spoke with Frank since 1971, since I left Vietnam. When I heard his voice a short time ago it was a breath of fresh air. We reminisced about A-255, CCN and of course Detroit. I was shocked to hear of his passing so soon after our talking. What a gentleman, a warrior, a pleasure to know him. Good bye Frank, love you buddy. Twitch
- Robert Twichell, Toledo, OH
Frank was one of my best friends in Savannah. We constantly talked politics, religion and the state of the world. Frank always talked loudly and with his hands. He was a joy to be around. I will miss him.
- Kevin Smith, Savannah, GA
We did some work over sea and I had great repect for him his knowlege of is work--George Washington Financial Corporation--
- James Schultz, Dejon, - Other -
Frank had a traditional approach to manners and how one should conduct oneself. He loved his children more than anything in the world. He will be missed by all.
- Gregory Crawford, Savannah, GA
Another great warrior has left us. His dedication and service to his country to protect our citizens even in far away battles with no hestitaion to serve and protect. As a former Green Beret Medic, I salute him and his family for his dedication and service to our great country
- Robert F. Meyer, Conyers, GA
Frank was a dear friend of my wife Kathy and myself since high school. We shared many great times during those years.We stood up in each other weddings. He will always hold a dear spot in our hearts. I am grateful over the past few years we had a chance to reconnect and renew our friendship . RIP my friend you will never be forgotten.
- Ken Fiott, , MI
Frank & Toni have been friends of ours since 1972 and to us larger then life. We have many years of joy together from Detroit to Toronto to Georgia. He They will be missed and we love them very much. May God be with them! Forever in our hearts. Michael and Liberty Abraham Sterling Heights,Mi
- michael and liberty abraham, sterling heights,mi 48314, MI
My deepest condolences to the family of Frank. God will have a place for him on the next jump. God Bless.
- Chuck Abbott, Savannah, GA
We have lost a great soldier but he will always be part of 'The Brotherhood' and an honored member of the Special Forces community. May he rest in peace.
- Danny Gay, Fitzgerald, GA, GA
Gone but not forgotten. Rest in Peace my brother in arms. You will be missed by all.
- Arthur C. Tucker, Odenville, AL
I met Frank in Special Forces Training Group and we served together in several Groups and at CCN in Viet Nam. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed by me and many. Godspeed my friend!
- Gary L. Leonard, Houston, TX
I worked with Frank at O.C.Welch FLM in Beaufort, he was great to work with. A fantastic salesmen, honest to the bone, great sense of humor, good people. I will miss him.
- Roger Santana, Ridgeland, SC
Frank was a solid guy. I really enjoyed his upbeat attitude all the time. I will miss seeing him again at the SOA in Vegas.
- Jason, Spencer, NC
Frank was a good man and a true friend that was always willing to help in any way he could. My prayers are with his family. Rest in peace my friend.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
- Kelly Brewer Ussery, Savannah, GA
Frank and I are first cousins and I can remember all the days we spent at his house. Every Sunday all the cousins would all go to Grandpa's house and we would all play in this tiny room....He was a good cousin and a great man and I know he will be missed. Remember all the good and wonderful times that you had with Frank...that will help you in your time of sorrow and will help your heart to heal. My prayers and thoughts go with you. Julia
- Julia Jacques, Wolverine Lake, MI
Frank Frankie was my first cousin and to me he was always bigger than life. I never knew of his great accomplishments but that does not surprise me because he was a private person. We did not see each other very much but when we did it was fun, laughs and remembering old times. I wish to express my sorrow to his family and will always keep Frank in my prayers.
- Susan Navarro, Troy, MI
Bigger than life Frank. You always had the heart of a lion. All those dark times when they were bleeding us dry with casualties, you were special then and remain so in our hearts brother.We shall lament your passing and shout loud so that the boatman knows that a warrior has come among them.We shall miss you paisano.
- Nick Brokhausen, Palm Desert, CA
So sorry for the loss of your son and father. May he rest in Peace
- Ernie and Sandy Thompson, Savannah, GA
Michael & Jincy Even in your sadness, we hope that you will remember that life never ends, but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember. The special memories of your Uncle Frank will be a blessing to you in the days ahead. He's at peace in Heaven with Toni. With our deepest sympathies,love and prayers to all of you.
- Martha & Ray Thompson, Bloomingdale, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
