Frank Vincent DePace

August 28, 1947 - January 11, 2022

Frank Vincent DePace, 74, of Cape Coral (formerly of Enfield, CT), passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

Born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania on August 28, 1947, Frank was the son of the late Vincent and Dorothy (D’Amico) DePace. He attended Freedom Area Jr-Sr High School and graduated in the class of 1966. After graduation, Frank enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam where he was, notably, the recipient of a Bronze Star Medal with valor.

After being honorably discharged from active duty, he reenlisted in the Army Reserves. He furthered his education by completing a lineman apprenticeship program. Frank would go on to work for nearly forty years as a lineman. He began his career working for Republic Steel in 1977 and was laid off in 1985 due to economic downturn. While looking for employment, he saw a full-page ad in the Sunday paper for a lineman position with the Connecticut Light and Power Company (“CL&P”). He applied and was hired on the spot. Frank moved his family from Ambridge, PA and settled in Enfield, CT. He worked for CL&P for the next 29 years and was a proud union member of IBEW Local 457. In 2011, Frank was awarded the Chairman’s Lifesaving Action Award for saving the life of a boy that had been hit by a car while riding his bike. The boy had been injured and was lying in the middle of a busy roadway. Frank blocked the road with his truck and comforted him until the paramedics arrived. He retired in 2014 and moved to Cape Coral.

In his retirement, Frank worked with local veterans’ organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Anglers, the AMMILVETS, Healing Waters, PTSD Awareness Summit and Fish with a Hero.

Frank loved fishing, gardening, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, swimming in his pool, watching movies and listening to country music. He might not have remembered the words, but he could always whistle along. He was a great bowler and billiards player. He was also an amazing handyman that could fix or build anything.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Marsha of Cape Coral; two sons, Jon and his wife Marie, Mark and his wife Marissa, both of Enfield, CT; three sisters, Catherine “Tootsie” Lockheart and Donna Little both of Converse, TX and Pauline Hyde of Wampum, PA; a brother, James Hoffman of San Antonio, TX. There are also two grandchildren that “Pap-pap” loved tremendously, Anthony and Logan.

Frank was predeceased by his sister, Rose Marie (DePace) Harris; his niece, Victoria Harris and his nephew, Joshua Hoffman.

He will be missed dearly by all he knew – his wife, his family in CT, his siblings in TX and PA, his extended family in Western PA, his life-long friend Gary Snair, all the veterans in Florida that he had befriended in retirement and all the linemen he worked alongside throughout his career at CL&P.

Funeral Services with Military Honors will be held 6:00 PM Friday, January 21, 2022 at Mullins Memorial 3654 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33916 with Father Tom Heck officiating. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 4:00 PM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to PTSD Awareness Summit (https://ptsdawarenesssummit.org/services), Fish with a Hero ( https://www.fishwithahero.com/make-a-donation) Healing Waters (https://healingwaters.org/) or to the American Heart Association (https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/drtv_helpheart.html?s_subsrc=global_nav) or PO BOX 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Elaine Kosa Jan 18, 2022 at 5:05 pm

    Mark, Frank and I are so very sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sending you a big hug💜

  2. Craig Thaler Jan 18, 2022 at 7:19 pm

    My memories of fishing with Frank will never be forgotten. So many stories to tell about the adventures with Frank Joe and Dave on my boat called Paradise. Frank will be missed by many.

  3. Joseph and Debbie Boccuzzi Jan 18, 2022 at 9:57 pm

    To say Frank will be missed is an understatement. Frank was one of the most kind, generous and respected person I know. Always with a smile, lending ear and willing to help others. We will cherish the memories we have. God Bless the Depace family. ❤🙏

  4. Tina Jan 18, 2022 at 11:52 pm

    Love you more, my cousin!

  5. William Frye Jan 19, 2022 at 8:18 am

    FROM ONE VET TO ANOTHER REST IN PEACE BROTHER!!!!

  6. Marie Panutsos Jan 19, 2022 at 11:51 am

    Our deepest sympathy to your family
    Cousin, Marie & Tom

  7. Joe Boccuzzi Jan 19, 2022 at 1:20 pm

    Frank was a good friend who will be missed more then words can express. He was a veteran brother who was there for you anytime, day or night. Frank and I spoke almost daily. We fished together, attended numerous veteran volunteer groups, target shoots, had numerous dinners with family, drinks or just hungout. It’s with a heavy heart, I share my deepest condolences to the entire DePace family. RIP Frankie, God has you now. Love ya my veteran brother!!!

  8. Sandy and Will Robinson Jan 19, 2022 at 3:36 pm

    So sorry for your loss! Sending hugs.

  9. Tim n Ginger Mckeehan Jan 20, 2022 at 9:26 am

    So sorry for ur loss sending prayers for family n friends Frank will be missed by all who knew him he was a good leader of our post Ammillvets always volunteered to help out where he could from being on the board running ptsd group to volunteering at our fishing tournaments or what ever we had going on rip Frank

  10. Mary Lou Montini Jan 20, 2022 at 10:20 am

    My deepest sympathy to your family.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Love, cousin, Mary Lou Montini

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