Major Francisco Jose Irizarry, 71, of Odessa, Florida passed away at the Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida on July 2, 2016. He was born on July 18, 1944 in Santurce, Puerto Rico to Francisco Antonio and Carmen (Diaz) Irizarry.
Major Irizarry retired from the United States Air Force on August 31, 1986 at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida after completing 21 years of active duty service. He served as a strategic bomber pilot; Air Operations Officer; Executive Support Officer; Systems Aerospace Studies Officer; Pilot (Forward Air Control O-2) and a fighter pilot. During his career, Major Irizarry was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal w/ one oak leaf cluster; Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters; Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster; National Service Defense Service Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars; Small arms expert marksmanship medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Major Irizarry attended Survival Training Course; TAC Aircrew Life Support School; Fighter Training Course; Tropic Survival School;’ Academic Instructor School; UPT Course; Air Weapons Development Course; National Security Management Course; Air Command and Staff College and the Squadron Officers Course. After retiring from the United States Air Force, Major Irizarry was a All State Insurance Agent and a Catholic that attended Incarnation Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida.
Major Irizarry is survived by his loving family: his wife, Carmen; five daughters; Emelina Irizarry; Kathia Irizarry; Ishbel Irizarry; Beth Irizarry and Laura Irizarry; three brothers; Jose Irizarry; Manuel Irizarry and Juan Irizarry; a sister, Nancy Irizarry and six grandchildren.
Services are 10:00 AM, Friday, July 22, 2016 at Incarnation Catholic Church, 5124 Gateway Drive, Tampa Florida with Father Michael to officiate. Graveside services are 1:30 PM, Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd;, Bay Pines Florida with Father Bob Swick and the United States Air Force Honor Guard from Mac Dill Air Force Base, officiating.
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RIP dear friend your are truely missed, and to our dear Carmen, our prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathy. :(
Emi,Katya and family. Sorry for the loss of your father.Praying for you and yours. Hirsia Kaplan
So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace.
Sharing in your sadness as you remember Frank. Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
May he R.I.P.
Mucha fortaleza a toda la familia Irizarry Diaz. Descansa en paz primo.No podré acompañarlos en esos momentos, pero mis oraciones estarán con ustedes. UN FUERTE ABRAZO. AMÉN
Por este medio quiero expresar mi pesar por la partida de Frankie a su familia y a Nancy de parte de la familia Rivera Marrero quienes fueron tus padrinos
Mucha fortaleza mi más sentido pésame
Frank,you are missed so much.I hope you are at peace. Carmen,you know that we are here for you,whatever you need. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
We shall always remember Frank in our prayers, and miss our good times together
and Carmen we are always here for you. So Frank my friend forever Rest in Peace.