JOHN FRANK Of Raton, died on February 24, 2012. A golden heart stopped beating and hard working hands were laid to rest. Our Heavenly Father and the angels from above summoned our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle to a life that would change but to a life that would never end. Frank was born in Raton to Clarence Rivali, Sr. and Celestina Casias. In 1950 he joined the US Air Force and after training at Lackland AFB in Texas and Forbes AFB in Kansas and Lowrey AFB in Colorado he was assigned to Korea to The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing and served in Korea and Japan, he was honorably discharged in 1954. While in Korea he received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and The Republic of South Korea Service Medal. Frank was a member of the St. Patrick's/St. Joseph's Parish, the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight of the Third Degree and Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree. He was a life member of the VFW Post 1793 and served four years as Post Commander and served as State Commander in 2000-2001. Frank was always ready and willing to help people in need, he will be sadly missed by all he came in contact with. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Carmen and grandson Ryan Kelly. He is survived by his wife Barbara Ann of the family home; son Kelly (Peggy) of Clovis; daughters Roberta Niemi (Bob) of Albuquerque, Barbara Ramirez (Wendall) of San Antonio, TX, Antoinette Rivali of Salida, CO and Lorena of Colorado. Also surviving are five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; mother-in-law Isabel Ortega; step-daughter Isabel Atencio; sons-in-law Mario (Brina) and Fernando (Crystal), all of Raton, NM; brothers C. Morgan (Gladys) of Albuquerque, Richard of San Antonio, TX, Eugene (Linda) of Fremont, NE, Robert (Helen) of Victorville, CA; sister Mary Frances Duffy of Torrance, CA. Also surviving are numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Rosary will be held on Tuesday, February 28th at 7:00 pm and the Mass will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 29th, both services will be held at St. Joseph-St. Patrick Parish. Interment will be at a later date. Arrangements by Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home in Raton, NM, 575-445-3757, www.alderette-pomeroy.com
|
