Francis A. Alamia

Commander Francis “Frank” A. Alamia, U.S. Navy (Retired) of West Chester, PA passed away Tuesday April 30, 2024 at Chester County Hospital due to lymphoma. He was 75.

Born June 16, 1948 in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Frank Alamia and the late Grace Palumbo Alamia. Frank grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Father Judge High School. He then attended West Chester University, where he pursued theater arts. He cherished his time performing at West Chester, and looked back with great fondness on the productions he was involved with, especially Samuel Beckett’s Endgame. He continued his passion in graduate school, earning a Master’s degree in theater from Penn State University. 

Frank also trained as a nurse and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His service took him and his family to duty stations including La Maddalena, Italy; Orlando, Florida; and Washington, D.C. In the capital, he served as the Head of Risk Management for the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. After 21 years of service, and honors including the Navy Commendation Medal, Frank retired to pursue legal work. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and served as an attorney for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), traveling to disaster areas around the country. Eventually, he retired to West Chester to be near family.  

Throughout his life, Frank enjoyed singing solo and in groups, performing on stage, and playing music. He dabbled in collecting gems and antiques. He took interest in early American history and the U.S. Constitution. An Anglophile, he also took special interest in the British Monarchy. Late in life, his beloved miniature Dachshund, Gracie, also gave him joy. 

Frank is survived by his children, Anisa and Daniel, daughter-in-law Jennifer Oglesbee, grandchildren Helen and Simon, and brothers Richard (Norma), John, and David (Jackie). He was preceded in death by his twin brother Louis Alamia. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380, followed by his Memorial Service at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the West Chester University Theater and Dance Department. Gifts may be mailed to 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com