Frank Muniz Pia
October 19, 1945 - August 28, 2013
I have had some close calls and a few unhealthy habits, so I am glad I have lasted as long as I have.
My life started when my Dutch grandmother met my Austrian grandfather in Salt Lake City. My father, LeRoy Quinten Pia, was their product. He went to Brazil on a mormon mission. He stayed in Brazil working for 9 years as it was a refreshing environmental change. My then 19 year old mother, Maria Jose Muniz, married my dad in Brazil and I was born in the city of Vitoria in 1945. We came to the U.S. when I was three along with my little brother Ron. It was fun growing up with my siblings, Ronaldo F., LeRoy J., and Shanoa M. Pia.
After graduating from East High in 1963 I spent 4 years in the Navy serving 3 tours in the Viet Nam War on the U.S.S. Alamo as a radarman first class. It was a profound experience for me. The G.I. bill helped me pay for my engineering education at the University of Utah.
I married my high school girlfriend Patricia Anne Thomas, and we had two beautiful daughters, Anne and Jennifer. My daughters have always been my pride and joy. Pat and I divorced but have remained good friends.
When I met Linda Elin Diaz – it was love at first sight. We have now been married for almost 30 years. Linda has been my angel of mercy and pillow of peace and I am so lucky that she has been so devoted to me as I am to her. Our life together has been the absolute best part of my life. I think of Linda's son, Ian Skomski, as my son and over the years we have learned to love and respect each other. I am very proud of him.
The biggest tragedy of my life was the passing of my brother, LeRoy in 1997. I think of him every day.
I have had great friends, especially Richard Heiner, Terry Palmer, Tony Diaz, Roger Iverson and Nick Fasselin. They made my life full and fun.
Significant accomplishments in my life were a small contribution to the water improvement industry, a chance to travel extensively, and positive relationships with my family members and friends.
I am survived by my wife, Linda, my daughters Anne (Todd) and Jennifer (Nick), my son Ian (Cyndi), my grandchildren, Daisy, Frank, Francesca, Sophia and Violet. Also, my much loved mother, Maria Jose Pia, brother Ron, sister Shanoa and many other family members and friends.
I guess I have a regret or two, but mostly I've just been a lucky guy.
Frank and his family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the VA Hospital and the Huntsman Cancer Center for their kindness to Frank, especially Dr. Cindy Leech, Dr. Sam Slomowitz, and Dr. Jonathan Tward.
According to Frank's wishes his remains will be cremated and there will be no service. There will be a gathering for family and friends on Saturday, September 21 at Maria Pia's home, 1635 E. Yalecrest Ave. from 2:00-6:00 p.m.
In Loving Memory
Fair winds and blue skies Sailor. We never forget you, each in our own way.
SFC Ronald K Moore
Salt Lake City, UT
Just by looking at his eyes you could see that Uncle Frank was a very sincere, loving and kind-hearted person. He was warm and caring. A wonderful person inside and out. My heart is aching for his dear family whom I love very much. All my love, Julia
Julia Gates
Salt Lake, Ut
I first met Frank in the 2nd grade at Hamilton elementary. I ran into him again in high school working at the Uptown theater, in San Francisco when we were in the Navy and again after we got out. I am sorry that we could not get together at the VA hospital before his passing.
Dennis Miller
Sandy, ut
Dear Maria, We are so sad to learn of your loss. We did not have the privilege of knowing Frank, but were touched by his loving acknowledgement of you and Leroy in his obituary. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and all of your family.
Fred and Pam Boede
Salt Lake City, UT
My condolences to Franks family and many friends. Many years spent working with Frank at Eimco, always a great sense of humor and wit, a fun guy to hang out with. P.S. Frank, forget the accordion the statutes of limitation have prevailed.
Bob Hanford
West Jordan, UT
On behalf of the Utah Humanities Council, we extend our sincere condolences to Maria on the death of her son. We are so sorry to hear of such a vital and interesting man being gone from this earth. A mother is not supposed to lose one son, let alone two. Our love and prayers go to you, dear Maria.
Kathleen Gardner
Salt Lake City, Ut
I will miss you. It was a pleasure to have you as my friend. Linda, my heart aches for you. I have the frame you made me on my night stand, I look at it every day. The very best to all the family.
Nyle Strasburg
Salt Lake City, Ut
3/2/15 My condolences to Frank's family and friends. I was a fellow Radarman and close friend of Frank during his tour aboard U.S.S. Alamo (LSD-33). I often look at pictures of us, during those years and it prompted me to type his name into Google. I am shocked and saddened to learn of his loss. I'll post the few photo's that I have on the USS Alamo Facebook page.
Richard Plumb
Seattle, WA