Frank Musemeche, World War II Veteran and Long-Term Duponter
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, forcing the United States into World War II, Frank Musemeche was just a teenager living with his family in New Iberia, Louisiana. Less than three years later the then 17-year-old sought his father’s permission to join the United States Navy. Paul Musemeche, a native of Bagnara Calabra, Italy and a veteran of the Italian Navy understood the call to serve and agreed to let his youngest enlist early. Frank joined four of his siblings in the war effort: two brothers serving in the armed forces and two sisters serving in the Women’s Army Corp.
Young Petty Officer Musemeche served aboard the LST-227, a ship that carried tanks, guns and men to the shores of hostile beaches in the Pacific Theatre of the war. Among his many duties Frank manned a 40 MM anti-aircraft gun providing cover to disembarking marines during amphibious assaults including the Battle of Luzon (Philippine Liberation Campaign) and the Battle of Okinawa, the last major battle of World War II.
When the war was over, Frank made his way back to Louisiana where he enrolled in Southwestern Louisiana Institute and studied chemical engineering. In 1948, an on-campus recruiter from the E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company persuaded Frank to move to Orange, Texas for a job at the Sabine River Works where he would work the next forty years. He met his wife, the former Virginia Goff, in Orange and started a family.
Frank was firmly grounded in his Catholic faith and was a long-term member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He is best remembered for the world-class pralines he made for the annual St. Mary’s Festival. When word got out about Frank’s cooking prowess, his fellow parishioners dropped off pounds of sugar and flour and requested he make even more pralines.
But Frank’s service to the church did not end there. In 1992, Sister Lauren Beck convinced Frank to don a black robe and a wide-rimmed black hat and transform himself into “Monsignor Federico Fettuccine,” a mythical character who lived in Rome and edited the Vatican newspaper. The monsignor became so popular that Frank was asked to perform throughout the Golden Triangle at numerous Catholic events.
Frank M. Musemeche was born on March 11, 1927 in New Iberia, Louisiana and died on March, 28, 2018 at the age of 91 at his home on Eighth Street where he cherished his heritage oak trees and the companionship of his loving family. Frank’s parents, his eight brothers and sisters, his wife and his son-in-law, James V. Dorrell predeceased him
Frank is survived by his children and their spouses: Christopher Musemeche (Lucinda), Stephen Musemeche (Tammy), Maria Dorrell, Catherine Musemeche (Anne Morgan) and Laura Yarborough (Jonathan), grandchildren: Marcus Musemeche, Melanie Claybar (Joey), Holly Price (Joe), Sam Musemeche (Lorena), Frank Musemeche, Beau Dorrell, Nicholas Dorrell and Taylor Yarborough, great-grandsons: Carter Claybar, Colton Claybar and Logan Musemeche and his canine companion, Kyla.
The family has the utmost gratitude for the care provided by Dr. Marian Chen-Hah, Dr. Trent Sterenchock, and their office staffs. They are grateful for everyone from Southeast Texas Hospice who showered Frank with loving kindness, particularly Dr. Michael Amsden. The family would also like to acknowledge the special care by Susan Cannon and Leila West. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Southeast Texas Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 2, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating the Mass will be Reverend Joseph Daleo. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
A Rosary will be recited prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. followed by visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church.
Serving as pallbearers will be Beau Dorrell, Nicholas Dorrell, Sam Musemeche, Joe Price, Marcus Musemeche, Joey Claybar, and Carter Claybar.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southeast Texas Hospice, 912 W. Cherry Avenue, Orange, Texas, 77630.
Maria, so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are for you especially this happening on the heels of the loss of your husband. May Gods comfort be with you and the whole family. Mary Ann Wheatley
Our condolences to the entire family. Frank was one of a kind and we are glad that we had the opportunity to have him in our lives through the Church. Special prayers to Maria and the boys. Life has dealt you a harsh blow in the past few weeks. We are praying for you.
Dear Melanie,Joey Claybar and Family and Musemeche Family, This is Mrs. Mary Orta, I am deeply sorry for your lost of Mr. Frank. I was not aware of his passing until late this evening and was very heartbroken and am very emotional writing this right now. He was a very SWEET friend to me. I really wish I would have known.You all have my sincere sympathy, my heartfelt prayer’s.May GOD bring strength, LOVE AND PEACE TO YOU ALL.❤????????????
He was a Wonderful Man to all and a real pleasure to be around.
“Poems are made by fools like me; But only God can make a tree.” Frank Musemeche was the kindest man possible. I enjoyed speaking to him on my evening walks past his beautiful home. He talked about how he used to ride his bicycle to and from Deweyville every day until his knees gave out, and how he loved his trees and was angry when the utility company tried to mutilate them. He was one of kind and will be missed by everyone in the neighborhood. May he ride the Streets of Gold on a new bicycle with his new body and advise the angels on the best way to care for the trees in Heaven!
Frank was a cornerstone of a wonderful Orange and St. Mary’s family and a hero to me. God bless Frank Musemeche.