Raoul Borgonetti

Raoul Attilio Cesare "Boris" Borgonetti (Raoul B. Borgonetti) 94, of 1986 E. Keepsake LN. Hernando Florida, departed this life on September 22, 2023 peacefully in his sleep at home. Raoul was born in Florence, Italy to Luciano Valdero Borgonetti and Dina Davitti on July 12, 1929. While growing up during World War 2, he enjoyed spending time on the family farm and his home in Florence. His father was a talented violinist, author and composer in his day, performing on both sides of the Atlantic; and his mother was a kind-hearted and wonderful woman who was always elegant, graceful, and dignified; the matriarch of our rich Italian heritage. Raoul joined the Italian Navy when he came to age, having survived World War 2, and became a radio telegraphist and industrial engineer, specializing in electronics. He was sent to America and sworn into the American Navy to conduct sea trials on the AMS 75, part of the American Adjutant Class Minesweeper project, later renamed from AMS 75 to Gelso 5509, and transferred to the Italian Navy. While first in the United States, he met his one and only beloved wife Frances Theresa Framo, and they were married in 1954 upon his return from Italy. In the United States he lived a productive and interesting life. He worked as an engineer for RCA, Boroughs Corp, Excel Products, EMC, Martin Marrietta (now Lockheed Martin) Southern Circuits, and Clipper Electronics with roles ranging from production supervisor to company president, even taking part in the installation of the first large computer system at the Cheyenne Mountain complex military installation. after Southern Circuits he held several private ventures, including a sophisticated and successful hydroponic greenhouse the family built together featured in a University of Florida publication. He became a pilot and was part of the Short Wing Piper Club, even trying his hand at homebuilt aircraft construction. Flight was always something he enjoyed greatly and shared with those whom he loved. He enjoyed traveling and visited many places with his wife, children and grandchildren, both camping for many years across generations and attending Fly-ins such as the famous Osh Kosh and meeting men of renown in the aviation field such as Burt Rutan and Chuck Yeager. He loved to share a good meal and create warm memories with family and friends, wherever he was. He spent thousands of hours helping others, the extent of which was not fully known, even to many of us, until, in 2020, already in his 90s, he received the President's Call to Service Lifetime Award for 20 years of volunteer work. There are many other things he said, did and taught to many of us, which would take volumes to cover, making many, many beloved friends, some who have grown as close as family along the way. His family in Italy called him "Big Boris" because he was larger than life; the perfect example of the American Dream. He left his home in Italy, came to America, found love and success, and fathered generations. He was and is loved dearly; and all that he said and did lives on through those of us who knew, loved, and cared for him until the end. Raoul is survived by his wife Frances of 69 years,, his son Raoul, daughters Karen and Dina, grandsons Jason and Ryan, granddaughters Angela, Angel and Kari-Anne, and many dearly cherished great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and even other adopted into the family that he loved as his own. A celebration of life for Raoul will be held from 1:30pm to 3:30pm on October 7, 2023 at: 1Civic Circle Beverly Hills, FL 34465 Bring your good memories and stories! If anyone would like to send flowers, please send to: Frances Borgonetti 1986 W Keepsake LN Hernando, FL 34442 "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we deeply love becomes a part of us" -Helen Keller

Raoul Borgonetti

July 12, 1929 - September 22, 2023