Frank R. MirabellaAGE: 92 • ParsippanyFrank R. Mirabella, age 92, Army WWII Veteran, passed away at his home on Monday, May 1, 2017. He was born on October 14, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York to John and Elvira. At the age of 17, he received his draft card and reported to Fort Dix on February 13, 1943. He went through radar and gunnery school where he learned how to be a tail gunner, but received no formal combat training. Due to the lack of planes during WWII, he found himself boarding a ship on February 1, 1944. After 18 days in the water, he was awoken by cannons being fired. He was instructed to jump onto a landing barge, losing his rifle as he did so. He soon discovered this was Iwo Jima. Remembering the words of his mother two weeks before she passed, "Frankie, don't worry. I'll be watching over you and I will keep you safe," he picked up another rifle and followed a corporal up Mt. Suribachi for 3 days where he saw the American flag-raising. He continued to fight for 36 days. He returned home in 1946 where he met the love of his life, Marie, and raised three wonderful children in Parsippany, N.J. His decorations and citations include World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and American Service Medal. Frank or "Uncle Frank" as many knew him, worked in the garment industry for over 50 years. However, it was his never ending love for his wife and family that made him the man he is. His ability to make others laugh and smile, his enjoyment of life and all his tchotchkes is what makes him loved by so many. Frank is honored and remembered by his three children, Kenneth (Becky) Mirabella, Paul Mirabella and Kathy D'Alessandro; eight grandchildren and their spouses; five great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, brother John, sisters, Clara, Ida and Vera; son-in-law James D'Alessandro; and his wife Marie. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial to be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 9:30am at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, 781 Smith Road, Parsippany. Entombment: Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover. Visitation will be held today, Friday from 5:00 - 8:00pm at Par Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Rd, Parsippany. (973) 887-3235 or visit www.partroyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. 370 7th Avenue (Suite 1802) New York, NY 10001.