Frank Joseph Puglisi

Frank Joseph Puglisi, 77 of Springhill, Florida passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, January 22, 2020 under the care of HPH Hospice. Like a true warrior, his battle for life was fought with bravery and strength. In his final days, he was surrounded with great love by his family and friends. As much as he is missed, we are comforted in knowing that he is whole again, no longer having to suffer in pain and is finally at rest.

Frank is survived by his loving wife Mary Nell Puglisi, his children Charlotte Puglisi (Mike Sorrell), Frank Puglisi, Jr. and Marie Hallup and son-in-law Danny, three grandchildren: David Bosworth, III (Kristin), Bali Schultz (Shayne), Anthony Puglisi (Veronica), and great grandchildren, A.J. Puglisi, Andrew Schultz, Kyle, Hanna, and Madi Osborne.

Frank is also survived by his big brother "mano" Anthony "Pug" Puglisi, sister-in law Sheila Puglisi, his baby sister "everything for the baby" JoAnn Cilenti, brother-in-law Charles Cilenti, sisters-in-law, Esther Robarts, Donna Robarts, Sheila Robarts, Lynne Shidler, and brother-in-law Mike Shidler, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his very close friend Dan "Honeybun" Hallup.
In addition to his parents, Tony and Lillian Puglisi, he was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Wayne Robarts, Jimmy Robarts, Pat Robarts, sister-in-law Marlene "Amar" Lundy, and nephews Art Lundy, Jr. and Donny Robarts.
Becoming the second child of Mr. Anthony Puglisi and Mrs. Lillian (Vaccaro) Puglisi, Frank was born on February 27, 1942 at the Sanatorio del Centro Español hospital in Tampa Florida. He grew up in the Seminole Heights area of Tampa.

Frank enlisted in the Army on March 3, 1959 and on May 8, 1959 he was recognized as scoring the third highest out of 205 Basic Trainees in Company "B" 1st Battalion, 1st Training Regiment, United States Army Training Center, Infantry in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was an 82nd Airborne Ranger, having been stationed in both Fort Bragg, North Carolina and later in Fort Benning, Georgia. He completed jungle warfare training in Panama and earned a certificate for army training BTL. Indoc ATP 21-114: code of conduct: ABN training Behind enemy lines Escape and Evasion. Frank received his Honorable Discharge on February 28, 1965.

When Frank returned home to Tampa, he met the love of his life Mary Nell Robarts. Frank and Mary Nell were married for 55 years and together they had and raised three children. Frank was a retired brewery worker (from Stroh's), after having started his career at the former Schlitz Brewery (now Yuengling) in Tampa, Florida.

A loving husband, father, and Pappy, Frank was also a 50+ year Mason, as a member of Community Lodge No. 292 which later merged with J. F. Swartsel Lodge No. 251, a 32° Mason with Tampa Scottish Rite and a Shriner with Egypt Temple, Tamp Florida.

Frank was an avid hunter and fisherman and one of his biggest accomplishments was winning the 1971 Suncoast Tarpon Roundup. On May 12, 1971 after one hour he landed what at that time was "the largest tarpon ever entered in a tournament on Florida's west coast". Frank used a 40 lb. test line, and the tarpon weighed in at 193 pounds, was 78 ½" long, and had a girth of 42". His winning catch was noted in the June 7, 1971 Sport Illustrated magazine. His mounted tarpon hung in the Brown Bottle Hospitality House at Schlitz Brewery for years and currently hangs in "dad's den" at home.

Family always came first and meant everything to Frank, and we are all very thankful to have known, loved and to have been loved by such a great, wonderful man.

A memorial service will be held for Frank at 3pm on Friday, February 21st, 2020 at Florida National Cemetery located at 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513 .

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a Masonic Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. at the J.F. Swartsel Lodge No. 251. F. & A.M located at 3109 West Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz, Florida 33558.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be in Frank's memory to HPH Hospice (352) 518-1400