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In memory of
SGT Frank "SEMPERGRUNT" Joseph Pitetti Jr.
September 5, 1969 - January 12, 2026
Sep 5, 1969 - Jan 12, 2026
Thank you!
Christopher James Pitetti, Julie Pawling and Jeannette Rich have ended this fundraiser. Donations are no longer being accepted.
$1,480.00 was contributed to Pitetti Family During This transition by 13 people in memory of Frank.
This memorial fundraising campaign is now closed.
Background
Frank Joseph Pitetti Jr. lived a life defined by service and responsibility, but what set him apart was the way he made people feel in every role he carried.
He served his country as a United States Marine and went on to build a career in law enforcement, serving with Hotel Company at Camp Pendleton, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Hemet Police Department, and later the Murrieta Police Department. In those roles, he was known not for noise or ego, but for steadiness, discipline, and judgment. He believed deeply in doing things the right way, even when no one was watching, and he carried that standard quietly throughout his life.
When Frank retired from law enforcement, he didn’t slow down—he transitioned. On the water, as the owner and captain of Ironclad Sportfishing, he built something that reflected who he was at his best. With a 100-ton captain’s license and decades of experience, he ran Ironclad with the same discipline he learned in uniform, paired with a rare level of patience and hospitality. Families, first-time anglers, seasoned fishermen, children, and veterans all walked away from his boat feeling welcomed, capable, and respected. His reviews consistently spoke less about the fish and more about the experience—how safe people felt, how well they were treated, and how Frank made every trip feel like being part of the crew. In an industry where complaints are common, Ironclad earned a reputation built on trust, care, and consistency.
Frank is survived by his wife and son. His son is serving as the primary coordinator for all arrangements and logistics, working to ensure that Frank is honored in a way that reflects the life he lived and the standards he held himself to.
This fundraiser was created to support the immediate and transitional needs following Frank’s unexpected passing. Donations will help cover funeral and memorial-related expenses, including transportation, coordination, and the law enforcement and United States Marine Corps honors being rendered in recognition of his service. Professional photography and documentation will also be included to preserve this moment for family, friends, and the communities he served.
In addition, there is an unavoidable transition period while survivor, retirement, and VA-related benefits are processed. During this time, support is needed to help bridge essential living and household expenses for Frank’s wife and to responsibly manage existing obligations, including the short-term care of Ironclad Sportfishing, until longer-term decisions can be made.
Every contribution large or small helps ensure that Frank Joseph Pitetti Jr. is honored with dignity and that his family is supported during this transition. We are deeply grateful for the support, respect, and kindness shown by everyone whose life he touched.
He served his country as a United States Marine and went on to build a career in law enforcement, serving with Hotel Company at Camp Pendleton, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Hemet Police Department, and later the Murrieta Police Department. In those roles, he was known not for noise or ego, but for steadiness, discipline, and judgment. He believed deeply in doing things the right way, even when no one was watching, and he carried that standard quietly throughout his life.
When Frank retired from law enforcement, he didn’t slow down—he transitioned. On the water, as the owner and captain of Ironclad Sportfishing, he built something that reflected who he was at his best. With a 100-ton captain’s license and decades of experience, he ran Ironclad with the same discipline he learned in uniform, paired with a rare level of patience and hospitality. Families, first-time anglers, seasoned fishermen, children, and veterans all walked away from his boat feeling welcomed, capable, and respected. His reviews consistently spoke less about the fish and more about the experience—how safe people felt, how well they were treated, and how Frank made every trip feel like being part of the crew. In an industry where complaints are common, Ironclad earned a reputation built on trust, care, and consistency.
Frank is survived by his wife and son. His son is serving as the primary coordinator for all arrangements and logistics, working to ensure that Frank is honored in a way that reflects the life he lived and the standards he held himself to.
This fundraiser was created to support the immediate and transitional needs following Frank’s unexpected passing. Donations will help cover funeral and memorial-related expenses, including transportation, coordination, and the law enforcement and United States Marine Corps honors being rendered in recognition of his service. Professional photography and documentation will also be included to preserve this moment for family, friends, and the communities he served.
In addition, there is an unavoidable transition period while survivor, retirement, and VA-related benefits are processed. During this time, support is needed to help bridge essential living and household expenses for Frank’s wife and to responsibly manage existing obligations, including the short-term care of Ironclad Sportfishing, until longer-term decisions can be made.
Every contribution large or small helps ensure that Frank Joseph Pitetti Jr. is honored with dignity and that his family is supported during this transition. We are deeply grateful for the support, respect, and kindness shown by everyone whose life he touched.
Funds are being collected and disbursed by Christopher James Pitetti, Frank's son.
Updates
Update from Feb. 27, 2026
Recent contributions
$200.00
Feb. 12, 2026, 8:10 a.m. PST
Anonymous
$150.00
Feb. 9, 2026, 2:07 p.m. PST
$100.00
Jan. 29, 2026, 1:28 p.m. PST
$100.00
Jan. 22, 2026, 7:27 p.m. PST
$200.00
Jan. 20, 2026, 3:44 p.m. PST
$100.00
Jan. 19, 2026, 5:34 p.m. PST
$100.00
Jan. 17, 2026, 6:01 p.m. PST
$150.00
Jan. 17, 2026, 2:06 p.m. PST
$50.00
Jan. 17, 2026, 11:39 a.m. PST
Anonymous
$100.00
Jan. 17, 2026, 9:46 a.m. PST
$100.00
Jan. 16, 2026, 1:15 p.m. PST
Anonymous
$100.00
Jan. 16, 2026, 12:36 p.m. PST
Anonymous
$30.00
Jan. 16, 2026, 10:53 a.m. PST
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Thank you!
Christopher James Pitetti, Julie Pawling and Jeannette Rich have ended this fundraiser. Donations are no longer being accepted.
$1,480.00 was contributed to Pitetti Family During This transition by 13 people in memory of Frank.
This memorial fundraising campaign is now closed.
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