Obituaries - 2/15/2008

FRANK CHIMERA
BOCA RATON

Frank Chimera, 76, passed away at the Veteran’s Hospital in Miami Beach on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.  He was a resident of Boca Raton since 1968 and considered his home in Camino Gardens his “Shangri-La”.   Frank was drafted into the Army at the age of 19 to fight in the Korean Conflict where he fought in numerous engagements on Pork Chop Hill.  On July 8, 1953, Frank was injured by a hand grenade and was left a paraplegic. Frank volunteered many hours to the local chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America eventually becoming the Chapter President.  Frank’s efforts were recognized when he received the prestigious Sunshine Award from the national PVA for his outstanding contributions. Frank was an accomplished artist. His “Kidnee” cartoon, detailing the “black humor” adventures of life in a wheelchair, was published nationally. Frank fell in love at the first sight of Patricia whom he met on a double blind date.  The couple was wed in the Kingsbridge Hospital wedding chapel where Frank was still recovering from the combat injuries.  They were married 50 years.  Frank and Pat adopted 4 children: Cathy, Susan, James, and Tricia.  He was also survived by grandchildren Jessica and Alexandria, and Sister Millie Licata. Despite his paraplegia the family traveled extensively and in 1984, Frank met and was photographed with Pope John Paul II, who had noticed Frank’s Pope John Paul II High School tee shirt. Frank touched and inspired many people with the courage, dignity and stoicism with which he lived his life despite his numerous illnesses and hospitalizations. A Visitation will be held Friday, February 15, 2008 from 6 to 9pm at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 11am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Boca Raton. In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. www.stjude.org/donate     
KRAEER FUNERAL HOME
1353 North Federal Highway
Boca Raton, Florida 33432

ANGELINA ALLEGRA BROOKER
BOCA RATON

Angelina Allegra Brooker, 96, of Boca Raton, FL, died February 9, 2008. Gary Panoch Funeral Home & Cremations, Boca Raton.

ARTHUR J. WILLIAMS
BOCA RATON

Arthur J. Williams, 96, of Boca Raton died Sunday, February 10, 2008. Babione Funeral Home, east chapel, is in charge of arrangements.