Francis "Frank" Domenick Pacello

Francis “Frank” Domenick Pacello, 82, of Fredericksburg passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Mary Washington Hospital.

Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and mentor. He was the oldest of five children, born to Domenick and Mildred Pacello. Frank was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware where he met and married Carol Ann Scott, the love of his life for 60 years. He attended and graduated from Archmere Academy and went on to graduate from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Frank was an avid Wildcat basketball fan, three time national champions. He also earned a Masters of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from Pepperdine University. Frank worked at his father’s Esso Gas Station in Wilmington throughout his teenage years and would often reminisce about his days working at the station on 4th and Pine.

Frank spent twenty-two years in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer retiring in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served three tours in Vietnam and was a decorated combat veteran. During his second tour from 1967-68 he commanded Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conducting multiple combat operations where he earned the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. Frank continued to support his men, often times meeting annually for reunions. Frank is also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

After retiring from the Marine Corps Frank spent twenty years working for Sprint Communications as a domestic and international program manager. Frank and Carol lived two years in Kuwait City where he led the team that reestablished the communications network in Kuwait following the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Prior to that he spent time doing Sprint sales work in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Frank lived an adventurous life both personally and professionally and enjoyed making a positive impact in the lives of those around him.

Frank is an Eagle Scout and later spent many years of his life as a scoutmaster for Troop 165, the troop he founded. He loved the Boy Scouts and being able to make an impact on these young men.

He helped establish the Order of St Crispin’s Society and served as the Herald of this organization. This organization brings together marine combat veterans from all wars for camaraderie and shared support, a marine band of brothers. He was an integral member of the Disabled American Veterans organization and was an original sponsor of the Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic held every year in Colorado. This event enables disabled veterans in learning how to integrate back into the world through sports.

Frank and Carol spent four of their best years living in Hawaii and continued to visit the islands throughout their life. Frank treated family members to a Christmas holiday in Hawaii upon his second retirement. He loved Hawaii and often thought about retiring there.

He would often joke about wanting to be retired in Hawaii in his old age with just a shopping cart in Ala Moana Park.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Pacello; children Francis S. Pacello, Catherine Pacello, Michael Pacello, Kristin Pacello; grandchildren Madelaine Adam, Matthew Walter and wife, Melanie, Natalie Gottschalk, Francis S. Pacello, II, Cecelia Gottschalk, William Pacello, Devin Pacello; great-grandchildren Colette Walter, Adeline Walter, and Beckham Walter; siblings Natalie Frey, Eugene Pacello and wife, Diane, Monica Pacello Blazic; and Andrea, Rick, Drew, and Jack Haymore, Frank, Abigail, and Margaret Titus, Heather, Jay, and Sebastian Camilleri, Andrew, Melissa, Grant, and Clara Blazic, Michael and Mary Zabkar, and Carolyn Pacello. He was preceded in death by his parents Domenick and Mildred Pacello; sister Patricia Zabkar; and nephew Michael Zabkar; and niece Heidi Frey Titus.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 15 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. in Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.

Frank was a pillar in the many communities where he served and led a very colorful life. He served as President of Forrest Hills Homeowners Association at Sea Colony Beach and Tennis Resort and also as President of Bethany Bay Homeowners Association. Frank was very devoted to his wife, his family and his friends. Later in life he could be found watching Gunsmoke or a good John Wayne movie. He will be sorely missed.

Semper Fi.