Frank Louis Masoni was born in a house on Rucker Ave. in Gilroy on Oct. 29, 1922 to his parents, Italian immigrants Clorinda Sartor Masoni and Salvatore Masoni .  Frank was a loving big brother to Louis Masoni, Salvatore Masoni, and Richard Masoni . Together the family survived the Great Depression by picking prunes and working odd jobs on local farms. Frank grew up attending Rucker, St. Mary's, and Gilroy Union High School, where he excelled in track.  He worked at Pollyanna Bakery on Monterey St. in downtown Gilroy. He delivered bread, and then became the night baker.

Frank enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in October of 1942, at nearly the age of 20.  He attended basic training in San Diego, California. Frank became an assistant cook and received honors for his sharpshooting. He was a member of the Eighth Marines, Second Marine Division.  Frank lost his life on November 21, 1943 fighting for our country during World War II The Battle of Tarawa in the South Pacific. For 74 years, Frank had been declared Missing in Action, until recently in August of 2017, when his body was positively identified.

Frank Masoni is survived by his only living brother, Richard Masoni of Gilroy and Richard's adult children: Clorinda Sergi (Jim), Saldrrena Bettencourt (John), Riccardo Masoni (Debra), Lewchonna Masoni (Mark), Lanna Sandoval (Gabe)

Also survived by the adult children of his deceased brother Louis Masoni : Frank Masoni (Rosie), Louis Masoni, and Mark Masoni (Lisa). And the adult children of Frank's deceased brother Salvatore Masoni: Rick Masoni (Janet), Linda Gonzales (Frank), Susan Hickey (Mike), and David Masoni and many great and great, great, nieces and nephews.

The Masoni Family would like to invite our community to attend Services which will be held November 18, 2017.

Visitation at Habing Family Funeral Home 9AM-11AM with speaking at 10AM

Procession to Gavilan Hills Memorial Park for graveside military honors

Anyone who would like to line First Street to welcome and help guide our hero Frank Masoni home would be greatly appreciated.