Francis M. Tessitore was born on February 3, 1932, at Nesquehoning, Carbon County, Pennsylvania. Prior to enlisting in the Pennsylvania State Police, he served in the U.S. Navy from June 21, 1949, to March 26, 1953. Trooper Tessitore enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police from Nesquehoning on October 2, 1953, and was assigned to Troop B-2, Turnpike Patrol. He was 21 years old and 5'10" tall.
At 11:55 a.m. on August 5, 1960, Trooper Tessitore stopped a vehicle on the Turnpike in Chester County. He was in the process of arresting the operator for speeding. Trooper Tessitore was standing at the rear of the vehicle, preparing his arrest report, when a truck ran off the roadway. The truck struck Trooper Tessitore and the stopped motorist, killing both instantly. The truck was operated by a 17-year-old who had fallen asleep. He pleaded guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Trooper Tessitore is buried in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Cemetery, Nesquehoning. He was survived by his wife, Mrs. Louise M. Tessitore, of New Columbus. At 28, Trooper Tessitore had completed six years and ten months of Pennsylvania State Police service.
