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Frank Roscana Obituary
Capt. Frank Roscana, 80, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006, at Forsyth Medical Center. Capt. Roscana was born April 25, 1925, in Glen White, W.Va., to the late Jerome and Catherine Starantino Roscana. He began his lifelong love of flying when he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. In 1951, after working as a private flight instructor in West Virginia, he began his 35-year career as a pilot for Piedmont Air Lines. He started his career at Piedmont flying DC-3s, and when he retired in 1985, was flying 727s and 737s. After his retirement, he flew the DC-3 Pacemaker promotional aircraft to air shows through-out the country. Capt. Roscana was a kind and gentle man of deep religious faith. He was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, where he was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a Eucharistic minister and a member of the Prison Ministry of the church. Frank was an avid runner, winning first in his age group at 70 years of age. This loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Surviving are his wife, Santina Torlone Roscana, of the home; two daughters, Kathy Dickinson and her husband, Tom, of Charlotte, and Elizabeth Roscana Gee and her husband, Don, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; three sons, Lawrence Roscana and his wife, Mary, David Roscana and Peter Roscana and his wife, April, all of Winston-Salem; four grandchildren, Lindsey Molles, Elizabeth Dickinson, Gregory Dickinson and Lauren Roscana; a sister, Mary Vickery of Sarasota, Fla.; and a brother, Thomas Roscana, of Detroit, Mich. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 22, at St. Leo's Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Forsyth Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family requests that memorials may be made to Parkinson's Association of the Carolinas, 601 E. Fifth St., Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 27202. (Voglers Reynolda Road)
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Roscana
A.J. Misiti
March 18, 2006
Dear Aunt Sandy and family, please accept our deepest regrets. You and Uncle Frank were always so wonderful to us. We love and miss you.
A.J. Misiti III and family
Hayes Kennedy
March 12, 2006
Sandy & All, Been out of NC in TX the past month and just found out about Frank's passing this morning in the Mass schedule. He's now with my Ann who loved you both these past 50 yrs. My prayers to you. Hayes
Gerald Keen
March 6, 2006
It was any honor to know Capt. Roscana.He was Capt. on one of my first flights,as a new hire.He was a great guy to fly with or go running with and I found it difficult to keep up in either task. My sympathies and prayers are with the family.
Joel Edwards
March 6, 2006
Capt.Frank will be remembered as one of the good guys.My first F/O flight was with Frank in 1964. Thanks for a friendly and tolerant welcome to line flying.GOD BLESS.
ROXANNE RUCKER
March 2, 2006
TO PETE, APRIL AND ALL THE FAMILY, I WAS VERY SORRY TO HEAR THAT MR ROSCANA HAD PASSED AWAY. I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT TIME BUT PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
J. B. and Margaret Queen
March 1, 2006
I don't remember ever flying with Capt. Frank, but I think Margaret was with him as a Flight Attendant. What we do remember is that he was a great aviator and a great human being. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our condolences and prayers for his family.
David Whitson
March 1, 2006
Dear Mrs. Roscana (Mom gets to call you Sandy): Please know that you & Peter & family are all in my thoughts & prayers. I was greatly saddened to hear of my godfather's passing & of course, began praying through my tears in the post office for you all. I was back in NC in Oct.-Nov. for the first time in 15 years & asked Mom about you. You do not grieve alone. I know my parents & I have great love & respect for you & your husband Frank. Thank you for being my godparents. I love you very much- David Whitson May our prayers help to speed Frank home.
lisa nowak
February 27, 2006
Peter, April and the Roscana Family, With my deepest sympathy. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Juan and Cynthia Valadez
February 27, 2006
Dear Sandy and Family:
We were deeply saddened to learn of Frank's passing. We remember Frank as a model husband and father, and we are thankful for his and your friendship. We will keep him and you in our prayers. God bless.
Sincerely,
Juan and Cynthia
Jim Sifford
February 27, 2006
To the Roscana family,
I am one of the privileged that worked with Captain Roscana for many years. He taught all of us that worked with him a lot about flying and how to be a good decent person. His gift to humanity and to aviation has had an effect on many people.
Sam & Patsy Myers
February 26, 2006
Our sincerest sympathy to the Roscana family and our thanks for sharing Capt. Frank with all Piedmont crewmembers. He was an inspiration to me and others as we tried to learn about flying and, more importantly, how to become better people. He helped in so many ways. A kind and gentle man who will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
James E. Mallory
February 26, 2006
It was a priviledge and honor, not only to know Frank, but to fly with
him in my early years with Piedmont.My condolences to the Roscana family. Capt Jim Mallory
Ann Monti Cates
February 25, 2006
Frank will be missed. Some people make life better just by 'being'. He was one of them. He was one of the genuinely nice people.
Brownie Pack
February 25, 2006
To Cap. Franks' family:
It is with great sorrow that I recieve the word of Franks passing. I never flew with Frank, but in our work, I saw him frequently. I will always remember him as pleasent, soft spoken, and always the gentleman. My prayers are with you all.
Maxie (Slack) Brien
February 25, 2006
I so enjoyed flying with Frank.He was a great Capt. and a great man. He was always respectful of his crew which made the job so much nicer.I haven't seen him since he retired, but have thought about him and others who were there in the begining of my career. My sympathy to the family.
Ken Cheek
February 25, 2006
Capt. Roscana was a true gentleman and a scholar. It was an honor to have served as flight engineer and first officer under Captain Roscana . He is now flying with Heavenly wings .
Sandy ,Pete, April and the entire Roscana family you are in my thoughts and prayers .
Jack Parks
February 24, 2006
I never flew with Capt.Frank but knew him out and about the line. I always thought a lot of Capt. Frank he was very friendly and was great to be around. My sincere thoughts are with you and your family. I know your grief is great but that too will pass. Till we meet in that great land not made with hands. Jack
Phil McPhail
February 24, 2006
Sandy, You and your family are in our prayers. Though I never flew with Frank, I placed him on that pedestal of Piedmont captains that I held in such high esteem as a new hire in 1979. It was a privilege to have been a small part of such a wonderful group of pilots. PS. I wonder if your Betty Gee was a class mate of mine at NCWesleyan in the late sixties? Captain Frank will be missed! sincerely,
paula hall
February 24, 2006
Dear Aunt Sandi, Kathy,Lisa, Larry, David and Peter,
How saddened we were for your beautiful family when Pat called us about Uncle Frank. Every memory I have of you two as a couple and your family at any family event is one of so much warmth and love. You were the highlight of reunions ,weddings etc. I regret that I couldnt attend any of the funeral arrangements, as you have ALWAYS been there for our family..especially when we lost mom. My love to you and yours...Paula, Alan and Kids
Johnnie Flowers
February 24, 2006
I was hired by Piedmont in 1957. I flew some of my first trips with Frank out of DC. Frank was a new captain at this time. He was a pleasure to be with and loved to talk about his family. A great guy and friend, Frank will be missed by all.
Greg and Eileen Roscano
February 24, 2006
Dear Sandy and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I remember the wonderful time as a little boy riding in his small airplane. He was a wonderful uncle.
God Bless Everyone
Love Greg and Eileen
Bill and Becky Cash
February 23, 2006
Dear Sandy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a great guy.
Bill and Becky Cash
Jim & Stephanie Hamilton
February 23, 2006
I remember you coming to ATL to fly for six months... you ended up staying for 2 years. You were a great guy and fun to fly with! You will be missed.
Our prayers are with your family.
Jan Randle
February 23, 2006
Captain Frank Roscana will be missed by all who knew him. He touched us all in a positive way. I can remember flying as his Engineer and F/O on the 727. We would go for runs and dinner on the layovers together. Ten years later I had the privilege of flying the Piedmont DC-3 with him. We again shared many good times (and runs) together. You will be missed my friend.
E.P. Bosiger
February 23, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family. Frank
was a joy to fly with and a true gentleman.
John Clerici
February 23, 2006
To the Roscana Family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill Morgan
February 23, 2006
I never flew with Frank but knew by just being around him he was one of the "GOOD GUYS."
Frank, Have a great trip West.
stephanie (Mrs. Bob) mcmillan
February 23, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. (Mrs.Bob) Stephanie Mcmillan
jeff spencer
February 23, 2006
it was a pleasure and honor to know and work with capt. frank. he will be missed. jeff and myrl
Jimmy Powers
February 23, 2006
Capt. Frank was a delight to fly with. He was always cheerful and was an excellent pilot. I remember his red basball cap which he wore faithfully. Capt. Frank was an avid runner, as I recall. A fine role model indeed. He will be sorely missed by all who served under his command, and his many friends that cherish his memory. My sincerest condolences to his loved ones.
Tom Harris
February 22, 2006
One of my first trips was with Frank.An excellent pilot , a true gentleman and a inspiration to many.
Joe & Nancy McGlothlin
February 22, 2006
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you Frank and your family we will miss you!
Bill Carico
February 22, 2006
To Captain Roscana's family:
I feel it was a privilege for me to have known a person of such character and modest nature as Captain Roscana. I thoroughly enjoyed being in his company and always walked away with a lesson in life on how to be a nicer person.
Thanks Captain Roscana for your contribution to the world.
Captain Bill Carico
Gene Smith
February 22, 2006
My memory of Frank was in 1953 when he flew as my copilot in the DC3. I admired him then and have admired him thrughout the years. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Janie Brown-Snell
February 22, 2006
I flew one of my very first trips as a stewardess with Capt. Frank Roscana-what a wonderful gentleman he was. My heart is saddened for the entire Roscana family. Capt. Roscana was always a true gentleman and a wonderful person. God Speed Capt. Roscana.
Capt. Paul S. Snell
February 22, 2006
My condolence to the Roscana family. Capt. Frank will be sorely missed by his Piedmont family of friends and especially the Piedmont Silver Eagle Pilots of which Capt. Frank was a member.
Historian, Piedmont Silver Eagles, Inc.
Captain Lonnie Dennis
February 22, 2006
I never had the pleasure of meeting Franks family. Frank was a gentlemans gentelman. A wonderful man--excellent pilot and a good friend. I had the pleasure of flying with Frank when I was a purser and later as his F/O. One of the best--we will miss him.
Bob and Ileita Reed
February 22, 2006
Dear Sandy:
You are in our prayers. Frank was truly one of the best. He will be missed by all of his Piedmont family.
Ken & Joy Duncan
February 22, 2006
Sandy,
Please accept our sincere regrets. We were just talking about you a couple of weeks ago, not seeing you at the Mall walking for a while. Frank was one of my favorite people on and off the airplane. He was devoted to his God, family and Piedmont Airlines. He was pleasant and a pleasure just to be around. He will sure be missed by all of us.
Capt. J. Michael Loy, Piedmont Silver Eagles
February 22, 2006
The thoughts and prayers of the Piedmont Silver Eagles are with you and yours in this most sad of times. We will miss you Captain Frank.
Buddy Bowen
February 22, 2006
capt. roscana will be missed from the piedmont eagle's family. he was a great man.
Colleen (Beau) Fields
February 22, 2006
Another Eagle flies west. Capt. Roscana will be greatly missed at the Piedmont Silver Eagles Reunions. Could always count on him being there
Ernie Marks
February 22, 2006
May you rest in PEACE Captain Frank.
Your kindness and friendship my first week on the airline and throughout the Piedmont years, will always be remembered and appreciated.
My sincere sympathy to your family
Capt. Lawrence Edwards
February 22, 2006
It was my great privilage to know Frank. I flew with him as a young co-pilot and always enjoyed every trip. Not only was Frank a real pilot, he was such a good man. I shall miss him untill I see him on the other side.
John R Cansler
February 22, 2006
Dear Sandy and Family:
Gerri and I would like to express our deep sympathy for your loss.
Frank was a wonderful person that
everyone loved. His dedication to
his faith and his family serves an
example for all of us to aspire to.
Gayle Meredith
February 22, 2006
Dear Sandy and the entire Roscana family,
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Roscana's passing. You have always been one of my favorite families in Winston-Salem, and I've missed seeing you these past few years. We loved being your across Carolina Circle next-door neighbors and appreciated your kindness and friendship throughout the years.
Our prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Love, Gayle, Wayne, Russell and Amanda Meredith
Deborah Marsh
February 22, 2006
Pete, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in my prayers.
George Gallins also said to send his prayers for your family.
God Bless
Elmo Torres Jr
February 22, 2006
The good Lord just got a heck of a pilot for His airline.
Bob Gunn
February 22, 2006
In 1983 and 1984 I flew flight engineer and co pilot for Frank on the B-727. He was one of the finest gentlemen I ever met. He never, unless pressed, mentioned his faith, but all of his actions indicated his love for the Lord.
I haven't seen him since his retirement but his prescence will be missed by all. God bless all of his friends and family in this loss.
Jack Benedict
February 22, 2006
Frank was a great guy and a great friend. I know he will be deeply missed.
Tom Sharpe
February 22, 2006
To the Roscana family, I will always remember flying with Capt Roscana on the line, and the trips we took in the DC-3 together. They were always very enjoyable times with a true gentleman and professional pilot. We who came later will always have a debt of gratitude to Capt. Roscana and those others who built Piedmont Airlines, into the great company it was.
God Bless you and your family,
Capt. Tom Sharpe
Jean Miller
February 22, 2006
Larry and Mary
Larry,
I am very sorry to hear of your father's death. That will be another star in the universe looking down on you. Relive the memories you have had with him, that helps to heel all wounds. I will be thinking of you in my prayers. God bless all.
Mary Lou and Mary Jo Fitzgerald
February 22, 2006
Dear Sandy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gene & Jo Walker
February 22, 2006
To Larry, Mary and Lindsey and family: We are thinking of you at this time of sadness. We will hold you close in our prayers. May God bless all of you.
Sincerely, Gene and Jo Walker
Julia McCarthy
February 22, 2006
Mr. Roscana was a gem, a genuine neighbor and a fond memory from growing up. He had a true zest for life and knew how to live his well.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the Roscana family this day.
Julia and Greg Bitting
Christine Fulton Sheppard
February 22, 2006
It was with deep sadness that I read of Mr. Roscana's passing. J.D., Drew and I enjoyed being the Roscana's back-yard neighbors when we lived on Carolina Circle many years ago. The swing set provided a lot of fun for Drew and neighbor Russell Meredith. Thanks for the memories! With love to all the family. Chris
Robert &Kathy Miller
February 21, 2006
Our prayers are with the Roscana Family during this time of sorrow. We are sorry that we cannot be there.
Sharon Miller Leonard
February 21, 2006
To all of the Roscana's:
I just want you to know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sharon
Mary Mac Weems
February 21, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful and caring man! We will be praying for you during this time and know that he is in a much better place... and in full health!
Nancy Johnson Turner
February 21, 2006
Sandy,
I was so very sorry to learn of Frank's death.
I always so enjoyed talking to the two of you and enjoyed the time I knew you in the Pilot's Wives Club many years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Debra Torlone
February 21, 2006
Dear Aunt Sandy,Larry,Kathy,Lisa,David and Pete, How I wish I could be there with you all. Uncle Frank will be truly missed. My heart goes out to each every one of you. I love you !!
David Torlone
February 21, 2006
We will miss you Uncle Frank, Our prayers are with you Aunt Sandy and family.
Love, David, Darien, Andrew, Gabriella
Gilbert & Kat Poplin
February 21, 2006
Larry & Mary sorry about your father. Larry remember as Apostile Paul told Timothy that he fought a good fight, kept the faith,ran a good race, finished the course & now he is with the Lord with joy.
Psalms 46-1
BILL GARDNER
February 21, 2006
To Sandy and the family please accept my sincere regret for the passing of a wonderful and kind man. Over the years I was always tickled to give Frank a PIPER AIRCRAFT hat that was bright red. It was his trademark in the cockpit. When you saw that hat from the terminal you always knew who your pilot was. He was a classy man who exemplified the high standards of character that Tom Davis demanded from his early hires. His devotion to his God was sincere and his last flight West truly has certainly carried him into the waiting arms of the Lord. Rest in Peace Frank. Well done, Captain.
Barbara Wall Summerlin
February 21, 2006
May the serenity of the sea fill your soul.
Marilyn R. Lasecki
February 21, 2006
Thinking of the Roscana family today, and remembering the always kind words and greetings from Frank. Heaven has a new angel this week. Bright Blessings to you all. Love, Marilyn Lasecki
James Lasecki
February 21, 2006
Frank was always very inspirational to me as a kid. I always looked up to him! I will miss him
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