Frank Falcone ’70 COE, ’73 MS

When Frank Falcone met Linda Altadonna at a high school football game in 1964, neither knew that they would begin a love which has lasted a lifetime, or that they would both likewise develop a lifelong love for Villanova.

Frank grew up in Camden, New Jersey. Like many Villanova students of his generation, he was the first in his family to attend college. Knowing that he wanted to study civil engineering, Frank explored several local colleges only to realize that Villanova would be the right place for him. He credits Dean John J. Gallen, whose kind, loving demeanor made the choice a simple one. Frank was accepted into a five-year program to study engineering and begin his military service in the Villanova Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (“NROTC”).

Linda Altadonna Falcone also was raised in Camden, but her connection to Villanova extends back further than Frank’s. Her first visit to campus was when she was about 12, when she came with her family to see her cousin, Father Frank Farsaci, OSA who was then stationed at Villanova.

Linda attended Douglass College in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she studied Education and Spanish. As she and Frank were together all through college, she visited the Villanova campus many times during those years. Both were always strong in their faith and felt very much at home in a Catholic environment. Frank emphasizes that while the culture at Villanova was Catholic, all were always welcomed.

As were many of his classmates, Frank was a “day hop” student who commuted to campus. While pursuing Civil Engineering studies, Frank credits Professor Lou Mathers with igniting his passion for hydraulics and hydrology. This specialty formed the basis for Frank’s long career in engineering, both as a working professional, a consultant and later as a professor in the College of Engineering. But first, Frank had to become an engineer. While a student, the strenuous engineering curriculum and his Naval obligations kept Frank very busy. Any extra-curricular activities he did were centered around the NROTC. During Frank’s time at Villanova, the war raged in Vietnam, and eventually some opposition to it was seen and felt on campus. At a certain point, the NROTC candidates were encouraged not to wear their uniforms on campus, to avoid any potential confrontations.

By the time Frank was ready to graduate and receive his Navy commission, he and Linda were also preparing to marry. As things turned out, Frank received his degree on May 16th, 1970. He and Linda were married on June 6th, in a ceremony officiated by Linda’s cousin, Fr. Frank. Together they then left on June 8th for California, and Frank’s first Naval assignment,. Shortly thereafter, Frank shipped out for overseas duty in southeast Asia. Through it all, they relied on their Catholic faith for support which never failed them.

Frank served thirty years in the United States Navy, both on active and reserve duty, retiring with the rank of Captain. After completing his active military duty, Frank returned to Villanova for a graduate degree in Civil Engineering. He enjoyed a successful career in engineering, including working in the engineering design & consulting industry, for 23 years. A request from the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department, for Frank to teach a lab class, led to Frank’s third leg of engineering expertise. For 41 years, Frank has served on the faculty of the College of Engineering, bringing full circle his and Linda’s connection to Villanova.

Linda and Frank were blessed with twin daughters in their long marriage and both girls are Villanova graduates, class of 1998. Wendy DiBartolomeo is a graduate of the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Jessica Falcone was a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences. Very sadly, Jessica passed in 2002. Frank and Linda are humbled and grateful for the unwavering support which the Villanova community gave to them and their family during this incredibly sad time. In memory of their daughter, Frank and Linda established the Jessica Falcone Memorial Sword Fund, which annually awards a ceremonial sword, a requirement for each Navy and Marine Corps officer, to a selected deserving Midshipman who has exhibited exemplary courage.

These days, Frank remains part of the COE faculty. He and Linda are frequently found at campus events. About once every 2 months, Frank still meets, often now on-line, with his group of eight NROTC fellow alumni. The affection which he and Linda hold for Villanova and the United States Navy continues and is supported by their actions and their thoughtful giving. Visitors to John Barry Hall will see Frank’s model of the Battleship, USS New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in Navy history, displayed there. The stand on which the model rests is from the actual deck of the New Jersey, which is permanently established on the Camden waterfront as a museum.

The philanthropy which Frank and Linda have expressed towards Villanova includes not only the Sword Fund, but also a planned gift which will be realized in their estates. Frank’s inspiration for making this gift came from his classmate, Robert Pizzano, COE ’71. He rightly explained to Frank that one doesn’t need to be a multi-millionaire to remember the University in their estate, that one can make a planned gift without reducing one’s current resources and that it is easy to do. The Falcones have dedicated their gift to the support of the professional development program which Frank originated in the College of Engineering, Career Compass. They also are supporting the new NROTC/Engineering Alumni conference room which will be part of the College of Engineering’s Center for Engineering Education and Research (“CEER”), a project close to Frank’s heart.

The Falcones found their passion and have made a planned gift to support it and Villanova. If you too have a passion for Villanova, consider how you can support it through a planned gift. For information about the many types of planned gifts you can make, contact Tim McKinley at 215-240-0812 or timothy.mckinley@villanova.edu. Support your passion, remember Villanova and create your legacy. You will never regret it.