Frank A. 'Yankee' Miano, age 82, a Melrose resident for 36 years, formerly of East Boston, died on Sunday April 6th after a long illness. Frank was the son of the late Louis & May (Penney) Miano and was born in East Boston on Dec. 28, 1920. He was raised in East Boston, graduated from East Boston High and has lived in Melrose the past 36 years. The former Tech SGT is an honored WWII decorated veteran receiving the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor and service in the European Theater. Frank served in the Army Air Corps 8th Air Force and participated in the Normandy Invasion. Frank was a welder for the Charleston Navy Yard for 26 years, was a member of the Charleston D.A.V. and the 8th Air Force Historical Society. He was the husband of Mary A. (Paone) Miano. Father of Robert Miano & his wife Anna of Tewksbury and Ron Miano & his wife Karen of Salem. Brother of Louis E. Miano Jr. & his wife Annamae of Needham and the late Gladys Miano & John Miano. Grandfather of Rome, Joshua, Jake & Stephen. Great grandfather of Anthony Miano. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thurs. April 10th at 8AM. Funeral mass in St. Mary's Church Herbert St. Melrose at 9AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Wed. 4-9PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to The National WWII Memorial Fund, Attn: GR048, P.O. Box 96074, Washington D.C. 20090-6074. Frank is a WWII Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force Veteran. *********************************** Eulogy to Frank Miano December 28, 1920 - April 6, 2003 During my senior year of high school, my father was asked to be M.C. at our baseball dinner. One of his responsibilities that night was to introduce the players and as they came to the stage say a little something about each player. Well, when he introduced me, he looked out into the audience with a big grin and said, 'I could talk about this kid all night long...but I won't.' Well, I could talk about my father all night long...but I won't! To my brother Bob and I, my father was a hero...simple as that. 'Hero' has many meanings. He defined them all for us and for his grandchildren. He was an outstanding husband, father and a 'good man' in every sense of the phrase! Yankee, as he was known to most of you, was from a generation that was very special. There are a lot of you out there today...you know who you are. You should know that my generation is better off because of you all. My father served in the Army Air Corp. 8th Air Force, and he was very proud of that. Some say he was a 'War Hero,' but he wouldn't. He would just say he did what he had to do. My father loved his Country, he loved his family, and we loved him! God bless him, and God bless all of you. Ron April 10, 2003