Frank Joseph Dipietra

"He was Italian and handsome! A very friendly man, with yet a commanding presence. Frank was compassionate and encouraging. He was inspiring for so many reasons. " Frank Joseph DiPietra, 55, a lifelong resident of Vancouver, WA, passed away Nov. 9, 2010. He was born Aug. 22, 1955 to Frank and Margaret J. DiPietra, the youngest of three. He graduated from Columbia River High School, class of 1974. Frank labored as a plumber and began estimating in the same field, after a debilitating accident in 1985. Frank was young father and suddenly paralyzed. Recovery was an endless journey. Frank was a fighter, full of determination, dedication, and devotion, supported family, friends, and community. Frank had incredible desire to live and showed unmeasurable strength over the years. Despite continual complications and setbacks, he pushed forward without complaint. That was his way, he was raised with unconditional love and made sure his kids were too. He didn't just use an example and expect his kids to follow, he lived, fought for, loved, and WAS an epic example of a wonderful, kind man, whose family was his pride. He raised them, from the same house, for the last 33 years. Frank could talk with anyone and they'd leave the conversation a better person for having heard him. Frank's was a voice you HAD to listen too, genuine, calm, resonating. He had a way about him, you didn't want to let him down. Frank was like a father to many of his children's friends. In his home, comfort was found in the positive atmosphere. Much laughter and many memories made through the years. Frank was an avid poker player and loved road trips with friends. He loved sports and was a dedicated Blazers, Mariners and Seahawks fan. Honor your memories, but let go of the sadness. He wanted that. Frank doesn't need our sympathy now, he suffers no more. He'd want us to remember, celebrate and live. Live, and set good examples, through it all, just like he did. He was a lover, and he'll be cheering you on, just like he always has. Most evenings at 8 p.m., you'd find him playing a game of dice, or scrabble with his Mom, who he said himself, is "the best Mother a son could ever ask for". Frank was very proud of his three children, Justin, Nicole, and Shanda Di Pietra (all graduates of Evergreen High School). He was an adoring grandfather to nine grandchildren, Amaya, Kenedi, Avrey, Lily, Abbey, Madix, Alisyn, Eli, and Addison (ages 13-1); and sister, Teresa Rinallo of Idaho. Frank is also survived by his mother, Margaret; and sister, Teresa Rinallo of Idaho. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank; and sister, Nita Di Pietra.

Frank Joseph Dipietra

August 22, 1955 - November 9, 2010