Obituary of Frank Samuel DiPietro

Frank Samuel DiPietro, Ed.D Left us for his eternal home on December 6, 2013. He was truly an exceptional man who benefited thousands of students. His accomplishments were many, but his character defined him. His love of others always took precedence over his own needs. Frank was born on March 13, 1926 to Francisco & Rosaria DiPietro in Fitchburg, MA. He graduated from Fitchburg High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving (Engineering) on the USS Hughes in the World War II Pacific Forces Operations. Frank received several campaign medals for his participation in these Operations. Following Frank's Honorary Discharge from the U.S. Navy, he began his college and university Education. His Navy Commander recommended that he be admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy, however, he decided to attend the Sampson/Syracuse Programs. He received: Associate Degree in Business Administration from Sampson College, Bachelor of Science Degree from Syracuse University, Master of Arts Degree from Columbia University, Doctor of Education Degree from Boston University, Doctor of Humane Letter (Hon) from Schiller International University and Doctor of Law (Hon) from Franklin Pierce University. Frank's professional career was extensive. After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he entered the working world as Division Manager of Building supplies for Sears during the day and Evening Instructor of Accounting and Registrar at Stevens Business College in Fitchburg, Mass at night. Frank soon became President of Stevens Business College and in 1962 after deciding that the education of students was his lifetime "dream", he obtained a charter from the State of New Hampshire to start a small private Liberal Arts College in Rindge, New Hampshire. This was the birth of Franklin Pierce College named after the 14th U.s. President who was a New Hampshire native. Frank served as Founding and 1st President of Frank Pierce College until 1976 and Chancellor until 1980 leaving a strong, successful, Accredited Liberal Arts College including its 1st Graduate Program - the Franklin Pierce Law Center - that was ABA approved. From 1980 through 1991, Frank established a Learning Lab in Nashua, New Hampshire for women returning to the work force. He also spent several years working for the U.S. Department of Defense with four other retired college presidents in providing degree completion programs for those government workers. Interim President of Potomac School of Law and Adult Education Instructor at Barry University in North Miami, Florida. In March 1992, he opened a degree completion Program with a charter for Tucson University in Tucson, Arizona. This Bachelor's Degree Program graduated 65 students in Social Science and Business Management. In September 1998, Frank obtained a charter to open a K-8 Charter School in Tucson, Arizona called Tucson Academy of Leadership and Arts. In 2008, after 10 years of operation, this school was transferred to Providence Social Services Group. After a month's "retirement" Frank purchased The Leaning Lab, grades 6-12 NCA accredited private school that included a K-12 Tutoring component. He finally conceded to retire and turn over the Lab to a husband and wife teaching team on August 1, 2013. Frank did not like retirement and his wife Theresa M. DiPietro thinks he decided to go to Heaven and help Jesus start a school there. Frank leaves a large family: His wife of 38 years, Theresa M. DiPietro; four children, Janice (Gary) Testagrossa, Patricia DiPietro, Marylou (Andrew) DiPietro-Maneval and Frank James (Kelly) DiPietro; four step-children, John A. (Tawny) Herr, Joseph D. Herr, David E. Herr and Jeanne T. Herr; sister, Rose Letarte; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; nieces, Sara (Dr. Denis) Luz, Madeline Albanese, Mary Povonne, Josie Costello, Rose Scafidi, Ann (Richard) Burke, Rachael (Charles) Radoy and Dee (Ralph) Hornbeck; nephews, Peter Collura, Frank Collura, John Collura and John (Janet) Persuitte. He was preceded in death by his 1st wife Mary, daughter, Theresa K.; brothers, Dr. James DiPietro and Joseph DiPietro; sisters, Ann Collura, Rita Scadova and Lucy Collura. Visiting hours at Bring's Broadway Chapel, 6910 E. Broadway will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, December 13, 2013 at Most Holy Trinity Church, 1300 N. Greasewood followed by burial services at Holy Hope Cemetery on Oracle Road. The family wishes to thank Fr. Bill; the Osyn Hospice team; the VA Respite caregiver, Kathy; Caregiver Delia and the Carondelet Medical Group for their excellent help. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the DiPietro Global Research Foundation, 1070 N. Camino Mira Flores, Tucson, AZ 85745. This foundation conducts research to identify cures for incurable cancers.