Send Flowers
Timeline for Frank Arriola
Born: September 3, 1961
October 21, 2013
Mission Complete/Afghanistan 2013
Died: December 12, 2025
Frank Arriola, born September 3, 1961, in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on December 12, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona.
Frank was a man of steady motion and deep presence. He moved through life with purpose, focused and driven, and seemed to possess an endless reserve of energy. He carried responsibility with calm confidence. He had a boisterous sense of humor and found joy easily, but beneath that warmth was a man who made others feel safe, supported, and confident that everything was under control.
Frank commanded a room not through volume, but through assurance. He showed up prepared and capable, and when he said he had something handled, people believed him.
Frank proudly served his country through the United States Army and Arizona National Guard, beginning his military career in 1980 and continuing through 2002. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) and completed his service with an Honorable Discharge. His roles included Wheel Mechanic, Generator Maintenance Supervisor, Logistics Supervisor, Operations Supervisor, and Radiation Safety Officer.
He completed United States Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and served with D Company, 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, assigned to the 2nd Armored Division, known as “Hell on Wheels.”
Frank’s military service included active duty during the Gulf War era, with foreign service in Southwest Asia. He was recognized with numerous awards and commendations, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and multiple expert qualification badges. He also completed Smoke Operator Specialist training and Non-Commissioned Officer development courses.
Following his military service, Frank continued serving the public as a Correctional Officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. It was during this chapter of his life that he met his wife, Billie Jean Arriola, and together they built a partnership that lasted 30 years, grounded in loyalty, perseverance, and deep love.
After their marriage and relocation to Fort Huachuca, Frank held a key position with TMEC (Thunder Mountain Evaluation Center) as part of the Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force, serving as a System Operator and Radiation Program Manager for counterdrug prototype systems. In this role, he operated, evaluated, and maintained advanced inspection and monitoring technologies, provided interpretation of system output, conducted training for government and law enforcement agencies, and managed scheduled maintenance and transportation of multimillion-dollar systems. This work directly prepared him for the career that followed.
Frank later went on to a distinguished civilian career with SAIC and Leidos, spanning more than 12 years, supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection, TSA, NATO forces, and international partners. He served as a Field Service Engineer, Trainer, Program Manager, District Manager, and Regional Manager, becoming a cornerstone of the VACIS (Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System) program.
He was responsible for the maintenance, training, and readiness of inspection systems deployed across the United States and overseas, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar. He oversaw more than 100 systems in active service, helped deploy over 50 Military Mobile VACIS systems in Afghanistan, and played a critical role in transitioning systems from prototype to production. His work directly improved safety, operational readiness, and mission success.
Outside of work, Frank was an avid mechanic and a true grease monkey in the best sense of the word. He could work on nearly any car or engine and loved doing so. He enjoyed camping, fishing, four-wheeling, time outdoors, and winding down with a good glass of whiskey, often shared with conversation and laughter.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Billie Jean Arriola; his mother, Cecelia Vizzerra (née Arriola); and his siblings, in birth order: Leonard (Beverly), Terry Ann (George), Patty, and Manuel (Christi). He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Manuel “Pa” Vizzerra.
He is also survived by his children: Chasity (Jorge), Kaitlin (Mur), Toni (Billy), Sarah (Alex), and Jessie (Jessica); and by his grandchildren: Sebastian, Scarlette, Cristian, Adrian, Elijah, Oliver, and Adaline. He is further survived by countless nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives were shaped by his steadiness, generosity, and leadership.
Frank was deeply loved and will be missed terribly.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held on December 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Marana Mortuary & Cemetery, 12146 W. Barnett Rd., Marana, AZ 85653.
Reading this obituary makes it clear my father was highly career focused since early on. He lived, worked, and accomplished more than most people do in their lifetime. Every conversation I had with him the last couple of years started with how busy he’s been and where he was getting back from and where he was going to next. Who he had to help this weekend and who he had to help the next. I don’t think he ever truly intended on retiring. Hard-working man, helpful, very admirable. I came along during that early chapter of his life which means he wasn’t very present, always gone on a mission. He made a noticeable effort the last few years to connect, and I’m appreciative and thankful for that, it’s sad we didn’t have more time to make up for the last 40 years. Although he is gone,he will live on through my sister Kaitlin and I. I can’t look at my oldest son without immediately seeing my dad in him. It will be a nice reminder to always live life with purpose, put your family first, be there when it matters, make an effort, and forgive and ask for forgiveness. Life is short, and work can wait. I hope you truly are resting Dad; you worked hard enough. Your family will miss you very much. My condolences to everyone who knew and loved him. -Chastity Arriola
My deepest condolences to you and your family Sarah. This part of life's journey is always the most difficult. Though I did not personally know your father, his service to our country is to be admired and respected. Our conversations have also revealed to me that he was a wonderful family man and father. My thoughts are with you.
Sending our deepest condolences 🙏 Frank will forever live on in our hearts. All great memories, his visits, his strong laugh, his playful sense of humor with my boys, Blessed you were part of our lives. Frank you will be missed greatly. Thank you for always checking in on us, I'll miss your calls. 😢💔 We love you Frank, R.I.P. You'll forever live on in spirit. Never Forgotten. 💕 Love Aunt Connie, Uncle Mike, Benjamin, Denali, Evan. 💕💕
So sad to hear of Franks passing on to Eternal life. I feel for Billie, all the children, and his extended family. Know that your hearts are heavy with the sudden lose of a man you all loved so. Always cherish your memories and know Frank is your special angel watching over you until we all are reunited in the heavenly presence of our Lord and Savior. With love, Donna Newhouse
My deepest condolences to Frank's family. I worked with Frank for 17 years and he was my good friend. He will be greatly missed.
Frank was my High School Brown Brother. I was his White Brother. We were friends from the moment we met in the 7th grade. We only know good times and good memories together, never once thinking that we’d lose touch after high school. We were reunited at a class reunion several years ago and swore we’d stay in touch. Sadly, as life went on, we again lost touch.. I can proudly and respectfully say, that I loved Frank and all that he stood for. Although separated by life and now his passing, we will forever remain brothers! My deepest, most heartfelt condolences go out to his family and his dear Connie. Although she was his aunt, he protected her like his sister. I will forever miss my Brown Brother, but by the Grace of our Lord God, I will see Frank again someday. As we all, in the Knowledge of Christ will. May he rest in peace, may his family rest peacefully knowing he’s with our Lord. Mission accomplished Frank, you have served our nation with great honor! You are now relieved of your duty. Thank you, faithful Brother and servant.. Dana R. Skvarek Master Gunnery Sergeant. USMC ret.
To my cousin Frank we all love you ❤️ and we will all miss.you 🙂God bless 🙏 you to rest in peace always❣️ in Jesus name I pray 🙏 Amen 🙏
This is hard. So sudden. You we're more like a brother growing up instead of just your Aunt Connie. Such great memories at school together, "Hey, Aunt Connie".....the laughs we had growing up. The unexpected call " I'm here at the base, where? Here in California one, come pick me up" 💕 Always proud of all your accomplishments. You will be greatly missed but will live on in spirt and never forgotten. Condolences to all family. Love you, Aunt Connie 💔
Sending our deepest condolences to Frank's family and friends. Rest easy paratrooper.
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
Reading this obituary makes it clear my father was highly career focused since early on. He lived, worked, and accomplished more than most people do in their lifetime. Every conversation I had with him the last couple of years started with how busy he’s been and where he was getting back from and where he was going to next. Who he had to help this weekend and who he had to help the next. I don’t think he ever truly intended on retiring. Hard-working man, helpful, very admirable. I came along during that early chapter of his life which means he wasn’t very present, always gone on a mission. He made a noticeable effort the last few years to connect, and I’m appreciative and thankful for that, it’s sad we didn’t have more time to make up for the last 40 years. Although he is gone,he will live on through my sister Kaitlin and I. I can’t look at my oldest son without immediately seeing my dad in him. It will be a nice reminder to always live life with purpose, put your family first, be there when it matters, make an effort, and forgive and ask for forgiveness. Life is short, and work can wait. I hope you truly are resting Dad; you worked hard enough. Your family will miss you very much. My condolences to everyone who knew and loved him. -Chastity Arriola
My deepest condolences to you and your family Sarah. This part of life's journey is always the most difficult. Though I did not personally know your father, his service to our country is to be admired and respected. Our conversations have also revealed to me that he was a wonderful family man and father. My thoughts are with you.
Sending our deepest condolences 🙏 Frank will forever live on in our hearts. All great memories, his visits, his strong laugh, his playful sense of humor with my boys, Blessed you were part of our lives. Frank you will be missed greatly. Thank you for always checking in on us, I'll miss your calls. 😢💔 We love you Frank, R.I.P. You'll forever live on in spirit. Never Forgotten. 💕 Love Aunt Connie, Uncle Mike, Benjamin, Denali, Evan. 💕💕
So sad to hear of Franks passing on to Eternal life. I feel for Billie, all the children, and his extended family. Know that your hearts are heavy with the sudden lose of a man you all loved so. Always cherish your memories and know Frank is your special angel watching over you until we all are reunited in the heavenly presence of our Lord and Savior. With love, Donna Newhouse
My deepest condolences to Frank's family. I worked with Frank for 17 years and he was my good friend. He will be greatly missed.
Frank was my High School Brown Brother. I was his White Brother. We were friends from the moment we met in the 7th grade. We only know good times and good memories together, never once thinking that we’d lose touch after high school. We were reunited at a class reunion several years ago and swore we’d stay in touch. Sadly, as life went on, we again lost touch.. I can proudly and respectfully say, that I loved Frank and all that he stood for. Although separated by life and now his passing, we will forever remain brothers! My deepest, most heartfelt condolences go out to his family and his dear Connie. Although she was his aunt, he protected her like his sister. I will forever miss my Brown Brother, but by the Grace of our Lord God, I will see Frank again someday. As we all, in the Knowledge of Christ will. May he rest in peace, may his family rest peacefully knowing he’s with our Lord. Mission accomplished Frank, you have served our nation with great honor! You are now relieved of your duty. Thank you, faithful Brother and servant.. Dana R. Skvarek Master Gunnery Sergeant. USMC ret.
To my cousin Frank we all love you ❤️ and we will all miss.you 🙂God bless 🙏 you to rest in peace always❣️ in Jesus name I pray 🙏 Amen 🙏
This is hard. So sudden. You we're more like a brother growing up instead of just your Aunt Connie. Such great memories at school together, "Hey, Aunt Connie".....the laughs we had growing up. The unexpected call " I'm here at the base, where? Here in California one, come pick me up" 💕 Always proud of all your accomplishments. You will be greatly missed but will live on in spirt and never forgotten. Condolences to all family. Love you, Aunt Connie 💔
Sending our deepest condolences to Frank's family and friends. Rest easy paratrooper.
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.