Francis “Frank” Armand Pilotte, born September 23, 1949 in Holyoke, MA, departed  January 20, 2022.  Preceded in death by father & mother, Alfred & Elizabeth Pilotte.  Frank served his country with honor as a member of the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1976.  He returned to civilian life and became an Air Traffic Controller at Ellington Field. Frank had the cool, calm nerves that made being an air traffic controller just another day at the office.  He finished his working career as an operator for Rohm & Haas, retiring after Dow bought the facility.

Along the way, Frank gained a large family of friends, and the lives enriched by Frank grew and grew.  Frank loved to visit and entertain his family of friends, to dine, enjoy wine, and to tell his tales in his booming voice.  Frank was generous with his time and his gifts, and never arrived empty-handed.  Often bringing multiple bottles of wine or sometimes bags of coffee, but always with a smile & hugs.  The good-natured Frank was one of a kind, arranging a backyard barbecue where he would grill for everyone, sitting at a high roller table in Las Vegas, or could easily have been cast in a Hollywood movie.  Frank was old school charm, grace, and coolness – the consummate gentleman.  He enjoyed his trips to Costa Rica, his target shooting with friends, and his beloved Mustang.

Although he had no children of his own, his love & compassion fostered strong bonds with the children and grandchildren (and even pets!) of the Sturdevant, Solt, and Atkinson families.  Frank became a valued & beloved member of each of these families, seamlessly grafting himself into each of the family trees as “Mr. Frank.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s name to the Wounder Warriors Foundation.  Or, if you prefer, think of an old friend/relative you’ve not seen in a while, take them to lunch or dinner, and raise a toast to Frank.

God Speed Frank, you’re cleared for takeoff!

“And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll make it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I am certain

I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more
I did it, I did it my way”  – Frank Sinatra, “My Way”