Frank Tripepi Military Headshot

The California City Management Foundation (CCMF) would like to honor Sergeant Frank Tripepi for his military service. Thanks to him, CCMF’s 2022 Annual Member Appreciation Dinner will be held on military grounds at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.

Frank Tripepi was drafted to the Vietnam War in 1969, following his graduation from California State University, Fullerton. He was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for artillery training before being deployed in Vietnam in January 1970. 

While stationed in Vietnam, Tripepi was a Field Artillery Operation and Intelligence Assistant. He was stationed in several locations throughout Vietnam and Cambodia, where he frequently led night missions at firebases. In 1971, he was the victim of an attack while manning a gun tower on a firebase. He fell 45 feet, shattering both wrists and breaking both arms. He was in full-arm casts and traction, unable to use either of his arms, for over six months.

Tripepi was initially sent to a hospital in Vietnam, but was soon transferred to Yokota United States Air Force Hospital in Japan for three months. Afterward, he was sent back to California to recover in Letterman Army Hospital and Fort Ord Army Hospital, spending about a month in each. Upon his release from Fort Ord Army Hospital in 1971, Tripepi retired from the army. 

As a heroic soldier, Tripepi received several awards for his dedicated service, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. 

Once released from the US Army Hospital, Tripepi began his tenure in local government. He secured a job at the City of Hawaiian Gardens in August 1971 and married his wife Rhonda Reiley in December of the same year. 

Frank Tripepi has spent most of his career exemplifying strong leadership in the city management community. He served as the city manager of Rosemead for approximately 28 years and was also the interim city manager for the City of La Puente from October 2008-November 2009. More recently, Tripepi was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Willdan Financial Services from June 2002 to May 2011. In May 2011, Tripepi was appointed Senior Vice President, Business Development for Willdan Group, Inc and he continues to add value to the role. Today Tripepi resides in Walnut. 

CCMF is grateful to Frank Tripepi for his military service and his impressive career in local government that followed. CCMF appreciates Tripepi for his help securing this beautiful venue, and we look forward to seeing you in February!