Frank Pugliese

Frank J. Pugliese Naples, FL

Frank J. Pugliese, 85, of Naples, passed away on April 11, 2011. Frank, a long time resident of Millville, NJ, was born in North Bergen, NJ, on January 14, 1926 to Thomas Pugliese and Louise Avoletta. The family moved to Millville in 1937. Frank attended Millville High School, excelled in sports, especially football, earning a varsity letter in his freshman year. He was very active in the Boy Scouts spending his summers and vacations helping to build camp sites at what was known as Camp Kimball in Auburn, NJ. Upon graduation in 1943, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he was trained as a top turret gunner on a B-24 bomber. Stationed in Madura, Italy, Frank completed a tour of 28 combat missions, many of which were the longest on record at the time, taking off from the southern tip of Italy's heel, and bombing targets deep in Germany, carrying two 500 pound bombs.

After his honorable discharge from the service, Frank attended Villanova University on a football and athletic scholarship and the GI Bill, where he majored in Accounting and graduated with the Class of 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. He then obtained a position with Armstrong Cork Company, Glass Division, and was assigned to the Millville Glass Plant as a cost accountant and later promoted to assistant plant comptroller.

In 1952, Frank married Eleanor Gimber, with her three children, Eleanor "Honey," Barbara, and Gregory. In 1959, Frank and his brother-in-law, Joseph Farnoly, purchased Bill's Package Store and renamed it City Liquor Store. Several years later, Frank resigned from Armstrong to spend full time at City Liquor Store. Frank and Joe operated City Liquor Store as co-owners for almost 30 years. Due to Frank's ill health, Frank and Joe sold City Liquor Store in 1987. Frank and his wife enjoyed their retirement until 1996, when Eleanor passed away after 44 years of marriage.

Frank moved to Florida and was a resident of the Glades Golf and Country Club. In 2003, Frank he married Evelyn Shank, a year-round resident of the Glades. Frank and Evelyn continued to enjoy their passion for golf and other social activities. They returned often to spend family summers in Sea Isle City. Frank was very active in support of the Millville Hospital and served on the Board of Directors for several years. He was also a life member of the Elks, the VFW, and a member of the American Legion since 1945. Frank was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan dating back to the games played at Franklin Field. He was a lover of the opera, attending many performances at the Metropolitan Opera and Lincoln Center.

Frank is survived by his wife, Evelyn S. Pugliese; brother-in-law, Joe Farnoly; daughter-in-law, Bernadette Gimber; three step-grandchildren; granddaughter, Eleanor G. Brew and her husband, Dennis; grandson, Dr. Steven Gimber; granddaughter, Michele Chiari and her husband, Jamie; and greatgrandson, Michael Chiari; four godchildren, namesake Frank Avoletta, Caroline Farnoly Jennings, Jenifer Vertolli, and Charles Labas; niece, Kathy Ragone and her husband, Paul; nephew, Thomas P. Farnoly and his wife, Francie; niece, Maria L. Gifford and her husband, Brian; nephew, Joseph F. Farnoly and his wife, Tanya; niece, Sharon Lynch; and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews in the Ragone, Farnoly, Gifford, and Lynch families.

Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor; and her two daughters, Eleanor "Honey" Green, and Barbara J. Shaw; and his beloved sister, Annette Farnoly.

The viewing and the Mass of Christian Burial will be held in New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Frank J. Pugliese to St. Mary Magdalene Regional School, 7 West Powell Street, Millville, NJ 08332; The Southern New Jersey Council Boy Scouts of America, 4468 South Main Road, Millville, NJ 08332; or Avow Hospice, Inc., 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.

For online condolences, visit www.fullerfuneral home. com.

Please sign guestbook naplesnews.com/obits