Frank Joseph Cosenza

Frank Joseph Cosenza of Santa Barbara, California died unexpectedly Sunday August 27, 2017. He was 86. Frank was born in Dearborn, Michigan on April 28, 1931 to Lena and Pete Cosenza. He had an illustrious, award winning, 50 plus year career in aerospace and medical fastener design, holding over 50 patents. He started in the 1960’s with Tridair Industries and ultimately became Vice President of Engineering and R&D for a division of Fairchild Corporation. Frank’s innovations were instrumental in commercial and military aircraft designs, and he was particularly proud of his work on the Apollo Moon program, where fasteners of his design remain on the moon. He began a second career at retirement by establishing his own corporation specializing in design and consulting. He officially retired on his 85th birthday in 2016, but he continued to design until his final day. He was an excellent teacher and mentor to many. Prior to his engineering career, he was a tool and die maker and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a communications officer, where he received commendations for his outstanding skills in Morse code. Following his military service, Frank earned his degrees from the former Northrup University and UCLA and quickly progressed in the aerospace fastener industry. Frank was an avid outdoorsman, a wonderful baker, and maker of many amazing Sicilian pastas and desserts, but most important to him was his love for his La Familia and friends. Frank is survived by his wife, Nancy, the love of his life for 34 years. He is also survived by his cherished brother, John Cosenza, his children Frank Cosenza Read (Kerry), Cathy Cosenza, and Anthony Cosenza; his grandchildren, Eric (Jessica), Kevin (Cyndi), Justin (Rachel), and Cameron. He was especially proud of his seven great grandchildren, Reese, Blake, Kamryn, Jack, Casen, Addison and Jolie. He is also survived by many dear cousins, relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed. A private Catholic Funeral Mass and Burial will be held in Santa Barbara, California. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Direct Relief, 27 S. La Paterna Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117 (directrelief.org), or to Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1740 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.

Frank Joseph Cosenza

April 28, 1931 - August 27, 2017