LOGAN, W.Va. — Frank Ray Chirico, 53, of Logan, departed this life and entered into his heavenly home on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Logan Regional Medical Center after losing his courageous battle with cancer.

Born December 30, 1955, in Logan, he was a son of Phyllis Bias Chirico of Williamson, and the late Jimmy Chirico. Also preceding him in death was an infant brother, Dominick Chirico; maternal grandparents, Jack Hager and Cebert Bias and paternal grandparents Frank and Grazia Chirico.

Frank graduated from Logan High Senior High School in 1974. He attended Crossroads Community Church in Chapmanville. He was best known in the 1970s and 80s for his exceptional motocross skills, ranking in the top one percent in the nation. He later went on to start Mr. Munchie Bakery and Deli in his father’s grocery store. In 1981, he began the popular Frank’s Pizza chain of restaurants, having his credit the start of nine shops in total.

Most recently, Frank is known for his full service Italian restaurants, Chirico’s Ristoranté, in Logan and Pikeville, Ky. He is credited with having introduced his famous calzones and Frankwiches to many loyal customers. He truly took pleasure in cooking for and pleasing everyone he served and knew. He has passed his legacy on to his three sons with whom he immensely enjoyed working daily. Franks dynamic personality, love of people, unstoppable spirit and winning smile will be greatly missed by his family, a great multitude of friends and the communities he served.

Additionally, those left to cherish his memory include his wife Trina Frye Chirico; three sons, Frank J.E. (Denise) Chirico of Belfry, Ky., and Joshua D. (Audra) Chirico and Justin B. (Jessica) Chirico, both of Chapmanville; two granddaughters, Natalie Gianna Chirico and Adrianna Hedrick Chirico; two sisters, Grace Harris of Huntington and Blanche Stepp of Justice Addition; maternal grandmother, Reubel Blanche Hager of Logan, and several aunts, uncles nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Wiley Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

James Funeral Home of Aracoma is in charge of the arrangements.