Frank J DePolis was born on May 27, 1919, in Renovo, and died December 7, 1941, at the age of 22. Frank was the son of Frank and Tina DePolis. He is buried in the Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York at the request of his mother.

He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School, Class of 1937. He played forward on the school basketball team before entering the Army on June 4, 1939. Frank was employed as an usher at the Rialto Theatre.

Staff Sgt Frank J DePolis was killed when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. He was the first casualty from Renovo during WWII. He was stationed at Fort Slocum NY before sailing to Hawaii. In his last letter home, he told of being crew chief on a bomber. He was very devoted to his mother, so much so that he sent her a lei of flowers for Mother’s Day, sent air mail.

He was a member of the Army Air Corps 5th Bombardment Squadron and the 46th Pursuit Squadron at Hickam Field, Hawaii and the 72nd Pursuit Squadron. Frank’s body was finally shipped home in October 1947, along with over 3,000 or more fallen soldiers in addition to those who perished at Pearl Harbor.

On May 28, 1950, Mrs. Laura DePolis, the first Gold Star Mother in Renovo and Clinton County, had the honor of unveiling a plaque honoring all the Clinton County men and women, who died in World War II. The plaque was erected on the bank of the Susquehanna River just across the street from the Clinton County Courthouse.

In 2001, a stone monument honoring Frank DePolis was donated by Renovo resident Bill Bauer. The idea was fueled by John Curcio as he discussed with fellow Renovo VFW members to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.