Major General Francis "Frank" Alphonse Ianni (Ret.), passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, after a lifetime devoted to faith, family, military service, public leadership, and education.

Born on August 2, 1931, in New Castle, Delaware, Frank began a remarkable journey of service at just 13 years old when he enlisted in Company E of the Delaware State Guard. After graduating from St. Peter's High School in New Castle, Delaware, at the age of 16, he attended Valley Forge Military Academy until he was old enough to enter The United States Military Academy at West Point in 1950 under appointment from Delaware Senator J. Caleb Boggs. He graduated from West Point in 1954, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.

In 1955, Frank married Ann Louise Wiggin at the West Point Cadet Chapel after the two met on a blind date arranged by his West Point roommate. Together they raised 5 children. Through their family, Frank was blessed with six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Frank completed Airborne, Ranger, and Infantry training before serving with the 82nd Airborne Division and later the 8th Infantry Division in West Germany. During the early 1960s, he commanded the honor guard for President John F. Kennedy during a visit to Fort Bragg. His military career included two tours in Vietnam. From 1962 to 1963, he served as Battalion Advisor and later Regimental Advisor to the 42nd Infantry Regiment, 22nd Infantry Division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In 1969, he returned to Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division as Brigade Deputy Commander of Bien Hoa Army Base and Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment. While serving as a Lieutenant Colonel during Operation Toan Thang 45 in Cambodia in 1970, Frank commanded the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment in operations that led to the capture of the largest arms and munitions cache of the war.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Frank earned some of the nation's highest military honors, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and "V" Device for Valor, among many others awarded for courage, leadership, and service. Frank continued his education throughout his military service, earning a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree from U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Virginia. He later completed doctoral coursework at the University of Virginia while also serving as a college faculty member and book reviewer for an international periodical.

In August 1970, Frank was assigned to the Pentagon, serving in national security roles including Special Assistant for National Security Council Affairs and later in National Security Policy Plans in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In 1977, at the request of Governor Pierre S. du Pont IV, he returned home to serve as Adjutant General of the State of Delaware. He retired from military service in 1981 after 35 years, attaining the rank of Major General.

Following retirement from the military, Frank served as Director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, where he helped enact Delaware's drunk driving laws, roadblock, seat belt, and child safety seat laws. He later taught business, management, political science, and foreign policy at Goldey-Beacom College.

A lifelong civic leader, Frank served on numerous boards and commissions including the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Blood Bank of Delaware, Delaware Heritage Commission, Delaware Veterans Home, and Bellanca Airfield Museum. He organized Delaware's first and second marathons, helped coordinate Delaware's participation in Hands Across America, served as the oldest West Point graduate and one of the most dedicated members of The West Point Society of DELMARVA , and was a founding member and secretary of the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame. He was also a recipient of the American Legion 50 Year Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to veterans and public service. Frank was an avid reader and history buff, contributing to the writing of several books about Italian immigration, settlement in New Castle, Delaware, military history, and authoring the book World War One Remembered while lecturing extensively in his later years.

Beyond his distinguished military and public service career, Frank was known for his patriotism, deep love of country, and especially his appreciation for the Fourth of July. The annual July 4th celebration in Virginia Beach became a cherished family tradition honoring our flag, our freedoms, and the importance of friends and family. Each year, everyone gathered to march in our parade ceremony and raise the flag in celebration of this great country. Frank especially loved spending time with his grandchildren during these celebrations, proudly making homemade snow cones while enjoying steamed crabs and seafood with family and friends.

A man of strong faith, he loved attending church and remained devoted to his beliefs throughout his life. At his ancestorial church, St. Peter The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, in New Castle, Delaware, Frank was baptized, received his First Communion and Confirmation, and served as an altar boy from fifth grade through his senior year of high school. He taught younger altar boys, including his brother Ed, the Latin responses of the Mass. In a meaningful full-circle moment, it was Father Nolan who administered Frank's last rites.

Frank valued education and lifelong learning and enjoyed mentoring young people whenever he could. He enjoyed football, reading, airplanes, traveling, historical sites, physical activity, horseback riding, watersports, skiing, the outdoors, and he had a special love for animals. He was remembered by family and friends as a gifted storyteller whose stories, humor, and wisdom brought people together. He enjoyed going to breakfast with his friends every Tuesday at Janssen's, visiting Rod at the Charcoal Pit on Thursday, for the Italian wedding soup, and all his events with The West Point Society of DELMARVA. His greatest joy was traveling to visit and spend time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Frank was predeceased by his former wife, Ann Ianni, his late wife, Carmela Ianni, father Francisco Ianni, mother Mary Marcozzi Ianni, sister Loretta Ianni, daughter Christina L. Ianni, and great-granddaughter Aurora Acevedo. He is survived by his 4 children: Steven E. Ianni (Priscilla), Marisa A. Tanner, Jeanne M. Ianni, and Marjorie I. Malone (Mike), 6 grandchildren: Stephanie, Dominique (Ryan), Stevie (Gina), Kathryn (Will), Ryan (Julie), and Francesca, 7 great-grandchildren, brother Edward Ianni (Rita), Nephew Chris Ianni (Kristen), Niece Daria Ianni Goff (Steve), along with their children and grandchildren, Carmela's children, Aldo Gibellino (Diane), Madelyn Gibellino Maglin (Barry), Linda Gibellino Wilson (William), and Carmella Gibellino Schultz Davies (Bryan), along with their children, and grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am at St. Helena's R.C. Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809, on May 21, 2026. Friends may call at the church from 10:00am- 11:30am. Interment with military honors will take place at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear at 2:00pm.

Major General Frank A. Ianni lived a life defined by courage, humility, scholarship, patriotism, faith, and devotion to family. His legacy of military distinction, public service, and love for others will continue to inspire generations to come. His greatest accomplishment was that of being our father. You made us Army Strong. God Bless you Dad.

Our love for you is eternal.
Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hill, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.