Frank Scotti

Frank’s life began in Brooklyn, New York.  Born to Aniello Luigi and Teresa Scotti, he was the middle of three boys: Vince, Frank, and Joe. As a young boy, Frank shined shoes and worked on his grandfather’s vegetable cart. The family relocated to Riverside when he was 12 and then to San Pedro, California.

             Frank graduated from San Pedro High School in 1951. He obtained an A.S. degree in Business Administration through Harbor City Community College. Shortly after college, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a damage control firefighter aboard the U.S.S. Prichett. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he married Jeanette Durante, a fellow San Pedro, high school classmate. She was the love of his life.

            In 1957, Frank and Jeanette moved to Santa Ana, CA, where they started their family, and Frank worked as a firefighter with the Santa Ana Fire Department. Frank and Jeanette had three children: Susan, Carol, and Steven. They raised their children in the Catholic faith holding true to those principles. Frank took an active part coaching little league baseball and youth basketball, with great success. He was a competitively skilled handball and racquetball player during the 1970’s and ’80s, as well as an avid jogger. Both Frank and Jeanette enjoyed family time through camping and boating vacations at various lakes in the western United States.  They also loved going to the movies and live theater events together; naturally, they instilled a love of both in their children and grandchildren. 

            The Santa Ana Fire Department’s environment proved to be a great match for Frank’s temperament. He relished the paramilitary structure, discipline, and camaraderie in the organization. He was also proud of sharing that spirit with his younger brother Joe, who was a Captain in the department. While working, he attended Long Beach State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. Frank quickly rose through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief. He held various administrative division assignments later in his career. Frank considered his career in the fire service to be the best 30-year experience of his life.

             After retirement, Frank became the Director of Fire Technology at Rancho Santiago Community College. The college environment allowed him to collaborate with working firefighters, educators, and fire training officers who turned the fire academy into a well-recognized program outside of California. Forging professional relationships and personal friendships with educators became another cherished experience of his life.

            Full retirement turned into the pleasure of taking European trips and cruises with friends.  With Jeanette, he watched his children and grandchildren grow up. He enjoyed the friendship of long-time neighbors and regular Thursday breakfast with a group of “retired old men” known as the “Romeo’s.” Frank and Jeanette were married for 49 years until her death in March 2006. Frank responded to the final alarm, by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on March 20, 2021. He is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. 

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