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.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Wednesday, March 4, 1942, page 28 under the heading: Applications for Marriage Licenses reads “Anna M. Romano, 17, 1525 S. 9thStreet and Frank Fantasia, 19, 818 S. Mildren St.” as having applied for a marriage license.
Source Credits1920 US Census, Rhode Island, Providence. Enumerated 6 Jan 1920. H# 43, HH# 33, Cranston Street.
Rhode Island, US, Birth Registrations 1846-1921; citing Frank Fantasia b. 11 June 1919 to Alberto and Annie Richards Fantasia
Report of Changes, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA, 30 Nov 1944
USN Report of Changes, Navy Yard, San Diego, CA, 30 Dec 1944
USN, Navy Casualty Books, WWII, Vol. MT-WY; Rhode Island; citing Frank Alfred Fantasia, Fireman 2c, USNR. Wife Anna Elizabeth Fantasia, 194 Prairie Ave., Providence.
Rank / Rating: F2-Fireman Second Class
Frank registered for the draft on June 30, 1942, at the age 21, listing himself as single. His employer was Jacobson’s Commissary at U.S. Naval Air Station, Washington, R.I. For the person who would always know where he was, he listed his mother, Mrs. Annie Fantasia, Providence, R.I.
Frank and Anna Romano married in 1942, but the exact date is unknown.
Frank enlisted in the US Navy on an unknown date, but likely in late-July, 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.
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 name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines.
