Frank Anthony Troia

August 1, 1919 - August 7 2007

Frank Anthony Troia died peacefully on August 7, at Westland House in Monterey after a brief illness.

Frank was a well known resident of Pacific Grove for the past fifty three years, having moved his young family there in 1954.

Frank's life began in Sferracavallo Sicily born to Ignazio and Cristina Troia, in 1919. He immigrated with his family through Ellis Island in 1929, to New York City, and began working with his father and brothers in the family produce and fish business. Frank attended various schools in New York as a young man, along with his brothers Tony, Andy and Sam. He often spoke of his adventures exploring this vast new world. On occasion he would miss school to sneak into Yankee stadium, and was in attendance on July 4, 1939 during Lou Gehrig's 'I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth' retirement speech. Frank often spoke of this inspiration, and within days decided to see America, riding freight trains and hitch hiking across the country during the 'Dust Bowl Era' to visit his uncle, a local General Contractor, with whom he worked for a short time, as a carpenter. However, with the war eminent Frank joined the U.S. Army. When war broke, Frank was an experienced soldier, and was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant. He was assigned to a special unit teaching squad tactics and hand to hand combat, to young draftees in camps throughout the US and the South Pacific. He was transferred to Hawaii, to teach ROTC at the University of Hawaii, until his honorable discharge in 1945.

Returning to Pacific Grove, Frank opened the "Victory Café' on Forest Ave in Pacific Grove which was the first 24 hour restaurant in PG. It was his desire to create a safe environment for local youth to congregate. He later worked in several small grocery stores, and helped establish Troia's Market with his Father and brothers. Being a man on the move he soon left the grocery business, and became a milkman. His Dairy career began with Carnation Company, later Mission Creamery, and Meadow Gold Dairy where he was promoted to Regional Manager of all operations in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.

Early in 1947 Frank spotted the love of his life Antoinette Randazzo. After proving himself to her father, a formidable and prominent commercial fisherman who happened to be President of the local Fisherman's Union, they married in May 1948, at San Carlos Cathedral. Their life together began on Robinson Street, next door to her parents, but Frank had his eye on Pacific Grove as the perfect place to raise his family. They found the ideal home on 17 Mile Drive, where he continued to live until his move to Canterbury Woods in 2005. After Antoinette's death in July 1991, Frank's focus was on his sons and their families. He did his best to honor the family traditions which he and his wife cherished.

Frank was active in community service, with PG Kiwanis Club, 20 years on the PG Recreation Board, chairing it twice, where he played active rolls in the creation of the PG Community Center, and establishing various parks and playgrounds throughout the city.

He also spent many hours volunteering at local charities, including Meals on Wheels, and the Bing Crosby Pro AM Golf tournament. After 'retiring' from golfing daily, Frank focused his attention on writing. He recently completed his autobiography, 'Le Arte Della Vita' The Art of Living.

Frank will be missed by his family and friends, too numerous to count.

He is survived by his Sons: Frank J Troia, John Juster Carmel, Salvatore Marisa of Pebble Beach, and John Pamela of Pacific Grove, and six grandsons Adam, Ryan, Jason, Daniel, Max and Dustin.

At Frank's request, private Family Services will be held. A celebration of Frank's life will take place on Tuesday August 14 2007 at 2:30 PM in the Lounge at Canterbury Woods 651 Sinex Ave, Pacific Grove.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to:

Pacific Grove Youth Action Inc.

618 Lighthouse Ave Suite 201

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

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