Frank L. Avveduto

Surrounded by loving family, Frank Louis Avveduto went to be with his Lord on Friday, April 4, 2014 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Frank was born September 6, 1956 in Waterbury, CT. When he was 11 years old his family moved to Torrance, CA. After graduating from North High School in 1974, he worked for a short time in an auto repair shop and subsequently enlisted in the United States Air Force in May 1975. Upon completion of basic and technical training, he was assigned to Ellsworth AFB where he spent the entirety of his career serving in the missile maintenance field. When the missile wing was deactivated in 1994, Frank retired and chose to remain in Rapid City. Frank was both a gifted electrician and carpenter and he excelled in all levels of home construction. For several years, he successfully owned and operated Linex truck bed lining company. Just prior to his illness which would eventually claim his life, Frank worked for the City of Rapid City as a heavy equipment operator.Frank’s zest for life was instilled in everyone he met. His ever present smile, incredible sense of humor and genuine love of people never waned even as his health deteriorated. He could walk into a room of strangers and leave as a friend. Frank was an avid outdoorsman; he loved to hike, fish and hunt. He especially loved camping and exploring the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming. He also loved to ride his Harley. A good number of his dear friends were members of the motorcycling community. More than anything, Frank loved his soul mate, Melissa Ammons. The gleam in his eyes when he talked about her could light up the darkest room. Frank literally knew hundreds of people: No matter where he went, he was always recognized by someone and an immediate conversation soon broke out.