Frank Vincent Arrigo
Frank Vincent Arrigo, 78, of Bourbon, Missouri passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023 surrounded by love at his passing with his wife, son, daughter, and son-in-law by his side.
Frank was born August 3, 1945 to the late Andrew and Marie (Eagen) Arrigo in Saint Louis, Missouri, the second youngest of their five children. Throughout his childhood he attended several Roman Catholic Schools in the Saint Louis area: Cathedral, Holy Angels, Notre Dame, Wellston High School, and Ritenour High School.
Frank was drafted into service in Vietnam in 1966 and served overseas from 1967-1969. He was in the Army in the 4th Battalion of the 39th Infantry Regiment, a Specialist 4th Class who spent 9 months in the field and was eventually stationed at Bearcat, a U.S. Army base in southern Vietnam.
Frank was very adventurous; always looking to learn new things and discover new places. He had visited almost all 50 states and many places around the world. Some of his favorites included Hong Kong, Hawaii, Cancun, Guam, Vietnam, and Tijuana. Later in life he enjoyed cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean with his wife.
Throughout his life, Frank enjoyed a diverse and fulfilling set of careers. Starting as a Nursery Photo Organizer in high school, he went on to become an Aircraft Inspector for McDonnell Douglas. Shortly before his service in Vietnam, he was a Lineman for Bell Telephone. After Vietnam, he worked for Prince George’s Fire Department as an EMT Fire Fighter in Maryland. Eventually he returned to Missouri where he served over 20 years with Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources as a lead trail builder and park maintenance. He built many trails across the state, notably Dell Rim Trail and River Cave at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, along with trails at Castlewood State Park, Meramec State Park, the Ozark Trail, and more.
Frank took great joy in being connected to nature and participating in the natural world around him. He was an avid gardener with a green thumb for all plants and a heart for all animals. Frank effused his love of nature onto those around him, and always shared the fruits of his labor. He was an amazing storyteller; every story he told was vivid and from the heart, like you were right there with him when it happened. Frank was the type of person that could have a conversation with anyone, and was an excellent listener. He was stubborn and determined, and always wanted to take care of things himself. He was a big foodie, especially seafood, and loved trying new things. Most of all he loved to laugh and had a larger than life sense of humor.
Frank married the love of his life, Dawn, in 1997 and they were blessed with twins Benjamin and Carrera in 1998. Ben and Cara were his biggest joy in life. He was so proud of them and all of their accomplishments. His joy this year was walking Cara down the aisle in September.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dawn (Bommer) Arrigo; two children, Benjamin Arrigo, Carrera (Arrigo) Coates, son-in-law Ryan Coates, four siblings, and their loved ones: James ‘Jim’ Arrigo, Ann (Leo) Milner, Patricia (Ron) Kraichely, and Margaret ‘Peggy’ (Terry) McGee. Frank was loved and will be missed by friends and family, many in number.
Services will be 12:00 PM noon, Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan with Pastor Brenda Stobbe officiating. Full military honors will be held following the service.
Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the church prior to the memorial service.
Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, MO.
Gifts in memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Grace United Methodist Church "Building Fund" in lieu of flowers.