Frank Santoiemma, 91, formerly of New York, died Thursday, October 24, 2019 in his Roanoke Rapids home.

Frank was born in the Bronx, NY, on April 20, 1928, the son of Giovanni and Luretta Buttiglioni Santoiemma, both of whom preceded him in death.

Frank's father signed permission for him to join the Coast Guard when he was 14 years old.  He served aboard the USS Samuel Chase, the "Lucky Chase," during World War II.  

Frank was a Seaman First Class in the 10th Amphibious, and drove a landing craft during the first wave of soldiers landing on Normandy Beach, France.  

Following his military service, Frank and his father owned and operated the J&F Luncheonette in Oxon Hill, MD, for a number of years.  He enjoyed listening to opera.

Frank and his wife, Maryann, were travelers and enjoyed the times they shared together. They settled in Roanoke Rapids in 2005, and became members of St. John the Baptist Catholic parish.

He is survived by his wife, Maryann Layton Santoiemma; step-son, Charles Stillings; brother, John Santoiemma; sister-in-law, Barbara Layton; grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Laura Frye, Maryann Bellenger, John Brown, Robert Brown.

A memorial service for Frank will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, November 1, 2019 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service, with Fr. Pius Wekesa, Officiant.

Online condolences may be sent to hockadayfs.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.