USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea Frank Alfred FANTASIA

Name: Frank Alfred FANTASIA
Rank / Rating: F2-Fireman Second Class
Service #: 824 21 26
DOB: Jun 11, 1919
From: Providence, RI
Parents: Alberto and Annie Richards Fantasia
Went Aboard: Dec 30, 1944
Age When Ship Went Down: 26 years, 1 months, 19 days
Spouse: Anna Elizabeth White Fantasia
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Marilyn Northcutt Henry (Admin) and Patricia Stephens (Admin)
Date Posted: Mar 13, 2026

The 1920 US Census shows Frank in the household of his parents, “Albert” and Annie Fantasia in Providence, Rhode Island. Frank was 6 months old and the youngest of six siblings, 3 boys and 3 girls, all born in Rhode Island. Frank’s father was born in Italy and his mother born in England. His father’s occupation is listed as tailor.

Frank married c1937, probably in Rhode Island, to Anna Elizabeth White. They had three children by the time Frank entered service in the Navy. Their son, Frank Fantasia, Jr, was born in Dec 1938, Albert was born in 1942 and William in Jan 1944. His happy marriage would be overshadowed by the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 that was enacted on Oct 16, 1940. It was the first peacetime draft in US history and required all able-bodied men between the ages of 21 and 35 to register. As required, Frank registered for the draft on Oct 16, 1940, at age 21. His employer was Jacobson’s Commissary at U.S. Naval Air Station, Washington, R.I. For the person who would always know his whereabouts, he listed his mother, Mrs. Annie Fantasia, Providence, R.I. It seems the "luck of the draw" was on Frank's side because he was not drafted for almost four years after he registered. and this was likely due to his being married and having a child. Frank was inducted in the US Navy on June 23, 1944. He completed basic training at the Navy training center in Sampson, NY. On September 20, 1944 he was sent to Service Schools Command, Great Lakes, IL. He was a s2c (Seaman second class) when he arrived on September 21, 1944. Upon completion of training, November 23, 1944, his rate advanced to F2c (Fireman second class) - Water Tender rating. Franks transferred to the receiving station at Naval Yard in Philadelphia, PA, then on to the receiving station at Shoemaker, CA on December 6, 1944. From Shoemaker he was sent to Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA where he was transferred on December 30, 1944, for duty on board USS Indianapolis CA-35. He went aboard that same day. When Indianapolis returned to Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA, in May 1945 for repairs, Frank was granted seven days leave and returned home to be with his wife and three children. He experienced New Year’s Eve on board the heavy cruiser and welcomed in the new year, 1945. He would not experience these events again. After only seven months on board the ship, Frank did not survive the sinking of Indianapolis on July 30, 1945. His wife, Anna, was pregnant with their fourth child at the time of his death. Frank was awarded the Purple Heart, posthumously. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines. Frank, you are not forgotten. A post by "jamco" on 9 Sep 2009: "I am the 62 year old nephew of Frank Fantasia. He was inducted into the Navy June 23, 1944. He was killed on the Indianapolis July 30, 1945. He was 26 years old. He was the youngest brother in a family of 6 sisters and 4 brothers on my mother's side of the family. Three other brothers were serving in the armed forces at the time. One was in the Navy at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. Another was with Patton's Army in Sicily and a third brother was stationed on a PT Boat in Australia. Frank was a Fireman 2d Class on the U.S.S. Indianapolis when it struck by Japanese torpedoes. He was probably killed instantly when they hit. I never knew him, and it was always very difficult for any of my relatives to talk about him 20 and more years after the sinking. They always became very sad and teary eyed. The family must have suffered terribly when the news first arrived. His death separated his new wife and 3 young sons from our side of the family. I am posting a photo I found in the book "Abandon Ship; The Death of the U.S.S. Indianapolis" by Richard F. Newcomb. On the back of the photo he wrote: "Look what the Navy is doing for me. I'm getting fat." I also found a card which I have posted. It was sent while he was on leave during the time the Indianapolis was being repaired in San Francisco after the Kamikaze attack on it. In case you can't read it he writes, "Thanks for everything. Never a dull moment when I was home. Am having a stinking time. K.P. & guard duty. & dog watch at that. Love Frankie" Lastly, there is an obituary that was taped onto the inside of the Newcomb book. There is no specific date on the news clipping but it is probably Wednesday, August 15, 1945 or possibly the 16th." "I did learn another fact about my uncle Frank's journey. When the Indianapolis stopped over at Pearl Harbor on its way to deliver the Atomic Bomb parts, the crew was not allowed to leave the ship. My other uncle, Peter, who was stationed at Pearl went on board and visited with Frankie. The oldest brother had visited the youngest brother for the last time." A post by "daddling" 13 July 2011: "My name is Joe Errico and I am married to your uncle Frank Fantasia's daughter. Her name is Ann Elizabeth Fantasia. She has three brothers Frank, Albert and William..... As you probably know that she never got to see her father because her mother Anna Fantasia was pregnant with child at the time of his death. Frankie, the oldest son has the flag that the Navy gave to Anna after his death. ...." The above posts were from an old bulletin board on the original ussindianapolis.org website. https://ussindianapolis.activeboard.com/mobile.spark?p=topic&topic=30746511