Frank Edward Berardi

Frank E Berardi, (Papa) of Stillwater, Oklahoma went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Thursday evening, November 1, 2007 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Papa was born on April 3, 1926 to Frank and Felicia Berardi in Rochester New York. His father died in an explosion 2 months before he was born and his mother died when he was only eight years old. Papa learned early on how important family was to him. He was the youngest of nine children and had wonderful memories of how the family all pulled together. Papa attended Rochester Schools but he left high school to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. He had 2 older brothers who had died during combat operations in WWII. After serving his country, Papa relocated to Long Beach, California where he worked for the Lockheed Air Craft Corporation on the B-47 bomber. While at Lockheed, Papa met, fell in love with, and married Beverly Jean Creacy. To this union was born 2 children, daughter Felicia (Cookie) and a son Frank, Jr. Papa lived in Lompoc, California where he retired from the Martin-Marrietta Corporation after 25 years of service. Following his retirement Papa moved to Grass Valley, California where he designed and built his own house, Papa live in that house until his failing health led to his move to Stillwater to be close to his daughter and family. A very creative man with many interests, Papa rebuilt his own airplane which he love to fly; he sketched, he did wood carving, and oil painting. He also loved photography, gardening, raising calves, hunting and fishing. There was no project to tough for Papa to tackle. But to ask him to describe the best of his days, he would always respond with time spent with his family around him, playing with his grandchildren, reminiscing about his wonderful childhood with brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles. And of course, there were always lots and lots of Italian food and laughter. Papa was preceded in death by both of his parents, and all 8 of his siblings. Survivors who will cherish his memories include his 2 children, Felicia Scott and her husband Byron (Bud) of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Frank Berardi, Jr. and wife Janice of Creswell, Oregon; 5 grandchildren Christina and husband Abe Giesbrecht, Tracie and husband Jason Parker, Lisa and husband Stuart Swanson, Frank Berardi III and Billie Berardi, 7 great-grandchildren who all loved him dearly. Papa will be sorely missed! The family will conduct a private memorial service at a later date. Condolences may be emailed to www.pmcfh.com., contributions may be made to St. Judes Hospital.