Surrounded by loving family, Frank LaPietra accepted an invitation to go on a walk with Jesus into eternal life on August 2, 2026. Frank was a much-beloved husband; father; stepfather; grandfather; great-grandfather of one and eagerly awaiting the arrival of #2, a beautiful baby girl; son; brother; servant; and faithful advocate for the poor. He cherished every minute, every story, every laugh and every plate of pasta he shared with family and friends over his long and well-lived life.

Frank grew up in Bronx, NY. He was a hardworking, brilliant student earning full scholarships throughout his advanced education. Frank had a distinguished career in pharmaceutical research, quality and manufacturing at Pfizer which took him from New York to the Midwest in Lee’s Summit, MO – a lifestyle change he came to love.

Frank was a committed volunteer in many organizations including Holy Spirit Catholic Church, food pantries and soup kitchens, nursing homes, and more. Frank had 20/20 vision for EVERYONE in his presence. He never let anyone feel invisible. He was not impressed by status, fame or fortune. Frank mined for the real gold inside EVERY PERSON in life, often finding lots of buried treasure in truly getting to know many of the marginalized people that he encountered in his volunteer work. Frank enjoyed bowling, trying but not exactly flourishing at golf, serving in many capacities at Church, gardening, reading and family gatherings.

Frank was preceded in death by: parents Richard and Columbia and brother Joseph LaPietra. He leaves behind his beloved wife Donna LaPietra; sister Sr. Cecilia LaPietra, OP; three children Richard LaPietra (Tera), Joann Fischbach (Mark), and Amy LaPietra; and stepchildren Kelly Oppold (Greg) and Chris Eastham (Mariana); six grandchildren Cory Fischbach, Eric LaPietra (Cristina), Brent LaPietra (Grace), Emma, Cara and Marcella; one great grandchild William with another blessing on the way; and many friends and extended family. The family will be forever grateful to Kim Scire, RN, of Kansas City Hospice; and Araceli, Lili and Diana for their loving care.

Frank was especially proud of his sister’s ministry and the amazing organization she founded decades ago. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions to: Sister Cecilia LaPietra, One-to-One Learning, Inc., 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976.