With great sadness we announce the passing of Frank Anthony Ernandes, who was born into eternal life on March 5, 2026, after a brief illness. Frank was a giant in the defense industry. An Electrical Engineer with two Master’s Degrees, he specialized in radio frequency applications in the Aerospace field. He was well known to top military brass both at home and abroad, and once had a business meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He traveled the world extensively in his long career, which was capped by his responsibility for the design and construction of critical modules on the spacecraft that landed the Curiosity rover on Mars. In his later years, Frank collaborated with his son Tim to establish, manage, and run WSLK: the lake radio station, and Discover Smith Mountain Lake Magazine. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a devoted family man, a devout Catholic, a true patriot, and a man known for his generosity. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Gisela Ernandes, and four sons: Timothy (Jo-Ann), Kenneth (Sharon), Gregory (Ingrid), and Christopher (Pamela), six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Marie Ernandes, his brother Joseph Ernandes, and his sister, Anna Carlsen, as well as his nephew, Kevin Carlsen, and his grandson, Alexander Ernandes. A funeral mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, on Monday, March 16th, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at the church, immediately prior to the Mass, starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.