Frank P Cena Sr , April 24, 1926 — November 19, 2018

Frank Philip Cena Sr., 92, went to be with his Lord on November 19, 2018. He was born April 24, 1926 in Laredo, Texas, son of Raymundo and Angela (Rodriguez) Cena. Frank honorably served in the United States Navy as a Yeoman and anti-aircraft gunner while on-board the USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24), an Independence-Class light aircraft carrier.

Frank participated in numerous engagements while serving on board the Belleau Wood in the Pacific Theater during WWII. During this time, Belleau Wood… Read More » received the Navy’s highest unit award, the Presidential Unit Citation, as well as 12 Battle Stars. On October 30, 1944, while Belleau Wood was patrolling with her task group east of Leyte, in the Gulf of the Philippines, she engaged and shot down a Japanese kamikaze plane, which crashed on her flight deck aft.

The ensuing fires resulted in numerous explosions. One explosion resulted in Frank being thrown overboard. Frank then spent the next 36 hours treading water until he was able to signal a Navy seaplane for rescue.

He was the owner of Frank’s Market in Lansing, where every customer was treated like family. After selling the store, he worked for Global Offshore Marine Drilling, which took him and his wife Carmella to Perth Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand. Frank continued his travels to China.

He was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and a longtime member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Grand Ledge, where he sang in the choir and played instruments. He was a talented machine quilter and excellent baker. Frank leaves behind to cherish his memory, loving wife of 68 years, Carmella, their children: Kenneth (Linda), Robert, Frank, and Jane Cena; 12 grandchildren, many great and great great-grandchildren, and brother Ramiro (Irma) Cena.

He is preceded in death by many brothers and sisters. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 345 Edwards St., Grand Ledge, with Rev. Fr.

James Eisele as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing. Visitation will be held at Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge on Saturday 2-4 p.m. and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with scripture service beginning at 7:30 p.m. For those wishing, memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael Catholic Church (Elevator Fund).

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