Frank T. Ciampi, age 93, of Lightstreet, died on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Frank was formerly a resident of his home on Seventh Street in Bloomsburg for nearly 60 years.
Frank was born on Sunday, December 15, 1918 in Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Philip and Grace (Sarday) Ciampi. Frank attended Wyoming Seminary and graduated from Shickshinny High School in 1936. He joined the United States Army Infantry in April of 1944 and served during World War II in Central Europe. In 1945, Frank was wounded in battle while serving in France, and was awarded the Purple Heart in addition to other military honors.
For 35 years, Frank was the owner and operator of Ciampi Beer Distributorship in Bloomsburg until retiring in 1985. He was a devoted member of the St. Columba Catholic Church in Bloomsburg where he served for 30 years as a member of the Church Choir and also served as Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, a 50 year member of the Bloomsburg Elks BPOE 436, and a member of the Valley of Bloomsburg American Legion Post 273. Frank also made daily deliveries for Meals on Wheels faithfully for over 15 years.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were six siblings: Benjamin Ciampi, Carolyn Ciampi, Joseph Ciampi, Sister Purissina SSCM (Eleanor), Philip Ciampi and Anthony Ciampi.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 61 years, Philomay Volpicelli, having been married on April 30, 1951; also two daughters: Grace Penman and husband, John, of Bloomsburg and Angela Solenberger and husband, Edwin, of Lightstreet; two grandchildren: Janine Penman of Philadelphia and Christine Gennaria and husband, Matthew, of Bloomsburg; as well as a brother: James J. Ciampi, of Emmanuel Nursing Center, Danville.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, June 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg. Fraternal services by the Knights of Columbus will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a Wake Service at 8 p.m. from the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 30 at 10 a.m. from the St. Columba Catholic Church, Third and Iron Streets, Bloomsburg with Monsignor Robert E. Lawrence, celebrant. Graveside Committal services will be held in the New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. A combined group of the VFW/American Legion will be providing Military Honors.
In addition to floral tributes, memorial contributions in Frank's honor are suggested to the St. Columbia Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg, PA 17814.