Frank L. Maggitti, loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in Modesto, California at the age of 102.
Frank was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 2, 1921, to Lawrence and Mary Maggitti. He was a first-generation Italian and grew up in the Philadelphia area with his two brothers Alex and Larry Maggitti, three sisters Millie (Sharrah), Marie (Gannotti) and Adeline (Scattergood), and a large extended Italian family.
As a young man, Frank attended Drexel Institute of Technology where he earned his way through school and achieved a degree in electrical engineering. In 1944 he entered the US Navy, serving during the war years as an electronics technician on the carrier USS Midway and receiving further training in electrical engineering.
Frank met the true love of his life, Carmina Santella, in 1942, through his cousin who was her best friend. They were married in July of 1944 and later settled among extended family in the Philadelphia area. They remained married for just short of eighty years, residing in Pennsylvania, California, and Washington State.
In the 1950s, Frank was employed by Philadelphia Electric and General Electric before taking a position as a Missiles and Space Engineer for Lockheed Corporation in Sunnyvale, California in 1959. At Lockheed he was known among his peers for his excellent work ethic and was promoted to a lead engineer position on the Polaris and Trident projects in the 1960s and 70
Frank was a loving and devoted husband and father. With his wife Carmina, Frank had three children: Thomas (Leilani) Maggitti of Modesto, California; Susanne (Cary) Greenman of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Nancy (Robert) Leonti of Placerville, California. He dearly loved and cherished his seven grandchildren: Michelle Freeman; Lisa (Chris) Nottingham; Sarah (Allan) Miller; Nick (Amber) Leonti; Colin (Melanie) Greenman; Christopher (Kristin) Maggitti; and Marie Rhodes. Franks legacy also includes eleven great-grandchildren.
Frank and Carmina loved to travel. They took numerous cruises and tours in all parts of the world. Frank especially loved warm, sunny climates and often referred to himself as a His final years were spent in Modesto, California, where he enjoyed sunny days all year round.
s life was marked by a strong faith in God and love of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He and Carmina enjoyed Christian fellowship wherever they lived, attending and serving in various churches along the way. Franks desire to follow God and his natural gentle and affectionate nature served to endear him to all who knew him. We are thankful for his life and the love he gave us and will miss him always.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Samaritan Village Chapel in Hughson at 10:30am on Wednesday, July 24th. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Frank’s name.
