Frank George Salimbene

U.S. Army Colonel Frank Salimbene (Ret.), age 95, passed away at his home in Williamsburg, Va., on June 2, 2024. He was born Feb. 12, 1929, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and was preceded in death by his parents, Giuseppe (Joe) and Maria (Mary); sisters, Virginia McBride, Margaret De Bula and Evelyn Coletta; brothers, Rosario (Russell), Rocco (Roy) and Joseph (Joe) Salimbene; and his wife, Patricia (Hartman) Salimbene, whom he married in 1954. Col. Salimbene graduated from Martins Ferry High School in 1947 and attended the Ohio State University before he entered the U.S. Army in 1952 to serve in the Korean War. He first trained as a medic, then went to Officer Candidate School. He trained as a paratrooper and became an Army Ranger. A member of the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and the 11th Airborne Division, Col. Salimbene was a Master Parachutist with over 300 parachute jumps. He also completed two tours in Vietnam. In his combat service he was awarded two Combat Infantry Badges, the Bronze Star for Valor, the Army Meritorious Service Award, and a Purple Heart. In addition to graduating from the Army Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., Col. Salimbene received his Bachelor’s Degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California. Col. Salimbene was an active member of the community, previously serving as president of the East Lansing, Mich., Rotary Club and the Pinehurst, N.C. and Williamsburg, VA, chapters of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He was a Master Mason and a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio (Neoacacia Lodge #595) and the Scottish Rite of Coudersport Consistory, in Coudersport, Pa. Col. Salimbene was also a lifetime member of MOAA, the Special Forces Association and the Army War College. At the time of his death, he was an active member of the Crown Colony Club of Williamsburg and the Stargazers Club of Williamsburg. A devoted father and grandfather, Col. Salimbene is survived by his daughters, Jodi Lingan (Robert) and Jill Salimbene; grandchildren, Emma Lingan, Nicco Held-Salimbene and Lucca Held-Salimbene; and several loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service and reception will be held at Patriot’s Colony, Williamsburg, VA at 10:30AM on June 24th. Burial to occur at Arlington National Cemetery, date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Sentara Hospice at: Sentara Foundation, 11844 Rock Landing Drive, Suite C, Newport News, VA 23606. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.