Francis (Frank) Rene Pineiro, 84, of Fayetteville, NC, passed away peacefully yet unexpectedly on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at home, with his wife of 58 years by his side.

Born April 17, 1941, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, he was the son of Sarah Quinones and Andres Pineiro, and was the youngest brother of Andy, Evelyn, and the infant Ivan.

He grew up in New York, NY, with his mother and siblings following his father's death—an experience that shaped his deep-rooted sense of duty, which extended from his family to his country. He proudly served more than 25 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Airborne), earning a Purple Heart during his service in Vietnam. He was among those who fought to survive the devastating attack on FOB 4 during the Battle of Marble Mountain.

After his military service, he earned his B.A. in Banking and Finance and began a career with Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union. He finished his professional career in service to the Department of Adult Corrections and later with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department.

When he finally retired, he went on to enjoy boating, fishing, and adventures with his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Garner; his four children, Nan Jackson (Steve), Frank Pineiro (Maria), Tony Zielinski (Brenda), and Kim Miller; his 10 grandchildren Robert, Lucia, Melissa, Natalie, Christopher, Kyle, Jenna, Christy, Kolin and Kaleb; and four great-grandchildren.

He was a larger-than-life man whose fierce love for his family and generous spirit touched everyone in need. He will be sorely missed.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville. A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 3 pm, at Haywood Family Cemetery, located down the gravel road directly across from the home located at 1071 Chip Rd, Mt Gilead, NC 27306.

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.

Services provide by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC and Pugh Funeral Home, Troy, NC.