Submitted by: Dan Rich

Frank Frucci Jr.

Oct. 4, 1917 - March 16, 2002

South Bend Tribune 3/17/2002

Frank Frucci Jr., 84, of Valley View Health Care in Elkhart, Ind., and formerly of Niles, Mich., passed away at 5:05 a.m. Saturday, March 16, in Hospice House, South Bend, Ind.

Frank was born on Oct. 4, 1917, in Niles, as the son of the late Frank and Angelina Frucci Sr. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Patty Jo Frucci; and by one brother, Dominic Frucci. Frank is survived by two sons, Michael (Patti) Frucci of Noblesville, Ind., and Frank (Susan) Frucci of Granger, Ind.; three grandchildren, Melissa (Jerry) Glaser of South Bend, Michael Frucci Jr. of Noblesville and Gabriel Frucci of Granger; two great-grandchildren, Nathan and Hannah; one sister, Angelina Di Certo of Niles; and by three brothers, James of Fort Collins, Colo., Joseph and Tony Frucci, both of Niles.

Frank enlisted in the Air Force in October 1940 for World War II; he served 54 months in the service. He fought 82 missions as a gunner in a B-17 bomber in the battles of Midway and Guadalcanal. He was awarded many medals including the Silver Star and the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters. Frank was recommended for the Distinguished Flying Cross. He attained the rank of master sergeant. Frank was a Pearl Harbor survivor and a founder of the Michigan Association of Pearl Harbor Survivors in 1965, and served as chairman and state president. In August 1947, Frank expanded the family-owned grocery store into Franky's Restaurant in Niles where he was the owner for 45 years before retiring in 1990. Frank was the creator of the World Famous Stacked Ham Sandwich. Frank was mayor of the City of Niles from 1968-1970. Frank was a life member of the Niles American Legion, Niles Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, VFW, Moose Lodge and Ambassador of Good Will of Niles. He was a life member of the Niles and Dowagiac Conservation Clubs. Frank was very active in local community affairs. He served a term on the board of directors for the Niles Chamber of Commerce, and a term on the Niles Recreation Board and Museum Board. He was appointed to serve on the Tourist Council.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th Street, Mishawaka, with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, in St. Bavo's Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Mich. Graveside at 12:30 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Frank may be made Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437; to the Michigan Association of Pearl Harbor Survivors; or to the Alzheimer's Association, 425 N. Michigan Street, Suite 308, South Bend, IN 46601-1236.