Francis (Frank) John Grimaldi, 91, of Melbourne, Florida passed away on March 2, 2021 with
his family by his side.
Frank was born in Bath, New York on June 15, 1929 to Francis M. and Hazel G. (Ward)
Grimaldi. Frank attended Hammondsport High School in New York and graduated from
Rochester Institute of Technology also in New York.
After graduating, Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 14, 1951 as a
motion picture and film photographer. Frank's first assignment was Patrick Air Force Base
in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Frank met his wife of 68 years, Nancy Elizabeth Yirka, at a USO
(United Service Organization) dance in Cocoa Beach. They were married on July 12, 1952.
Frank was a loving and devoted husband and father of seven children.
Frank served his country in both the North Korean and North Vietnam wars. Frank and his
family were stationed at several Air Force bases during his military career. These military
bases included California, England, Germany, Nebraska, Florida (twice), Hawaii, and
Maryland where he retired after 21 years of service as a Chief Master Sergeant.
After retiring from the Air Force, Frank and his family relocated to Melbourne, Florida
where he worked as a cameraman/news reporter for Channel 2 News in Orlando. Many of
Frank's assignments with Channel 2 News covered the growth of the Kennedy Space Center
Shuttle program where Frank eventually took a lead role in the film and video production of
the preparation and launching of the United States Space Shuttles.
Frank is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters Cathy, Francine, Theresa, and son Michael,
along with eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Frank was preceded by
his three daughters Elizabeth, Genevieve, and Mary.
A private Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Ascension Catholic Church.