"Frank", of Farmington Hills, unexpectedly passed into eternal life on Sunday afternoon, February 12, 2023, at Anthology Senior Living, Northville.  He was 92 years old.

Frank was born in 1930 in Casino Italy. He was raised on a small farm by his parents Luigi and Maria. He grew up a poor farmer lifestyle with his three siblings. Life was hard but he seamed to find joy in it as he told many stories of life on the farm. Education was limited in rural Italy but he did learn to read and write before all things changed with the onset of WW2. His world turned to a life a survival running from the Germans as they raged across Italy. His family was scattered across Italy for years not even knowing if some of his siblings were alive.

When the war ended, and the family eventually returned to what was left of their home they came to realize all had survived. He eventually entered the Italian army as much of Italy and some of his family looked to immigrate to America. When he was finished with the army, he followed his brothers to America. He came through Ellis Island like an entire generation of Europeans after the war. He lived and worked with his brothers as he learned a new language and culture.

Eventually his entire family came here, and he set out on his own in the world of construction. He worked a few hard labor jobs and eventually became a skilled cement mason. He worked as a mason for more than 30 years.

He met the love his life Anna and married in 1963. They had two children Frank and Nancy. They bought their first house together in Metro Detroit. Eventually as he learned more and more about the construction trade, they decided to build their own home. They knew very little about it but embarked on this adventure headfirst. They, with the help of brothers, nephews and many, many friends, built a beautiful home in Farmington Hills. It was his pride and joy.

They raised their children with as much love as possible and led by example. They put their son through Catholic school and eventually through college at MSU. He wanted his family to have more than he had growing up. Their daughter was diagnosed with special needs very early in life. They never let that hinder their life. They raised her at home and made sure she lived a full life. The difficulties were significant, but it never was an excuse.

He was a man with endless energy and endless generosity. He worked hard everyday building a life for his family. He spent many weekends helping family and friends build their own dreams. He was always putting in driveways and patios for anyone who asked. He helped so many with construction of their homes, sometimes as return of the favor or just because he enjoyed helping everyone.

As the years rolled on, he and Anna went on some wonderful vacations and were regulars on the Vegas strip. The family was moving on and they were ready to enter retirement. Unfortunately, life took a turn and Anna was diagnosed with cancer. It was serious but they were determined to enjoy life no matter how long they had. He was a rock never letting her down. They eventually returned to Italy 50 years after they left and had a vacation of a lifetime. They took many family members and gave everyone a look back to where it all started. It was truly magical.

Eventually cancer took his beloved and life was never the same. He was by her side until the end, and he never left her side. He eventually picked himself up and continued to enjoy life. He and his sister-in-law Julie carried on the small pasta business that Anna had started years before. The business fueled one of the greatest friendships of his life. He and Julie worked together for years making and selling pasta. The money they earned fed the weekly gambling trip to Windsor as they visited family and friends in Canada. They were legendary in the family for the pasta and fun they had. They did this for more than 20 years. Unfortunately, age did catch up with him and he stopped making pasta in his late 80's.

He had two grandkids Franco and Vinny. He loved to spend time with them growing up. He was a fixture at sporting events. He could always be seen sitting on the sideline cheering them on. When they graduated High school and eventually college there was not a happier man. He had given his family more than he could ever have dreamed of his heart was full.

He lived on his own and took care of himself until he was 92. He finally decided it was time to move to assisted living last year and his best friend Julie decided to tag along. They lived across the hall from each other for almost a year and took care of each other. He passed peacefully in his sleep just shy of his 93rd birthday. He lived a full and blessed life.

Surviving are his devoted son, Frank (Carolynn) Russo; cherished grandsons, Franco and Vinny Russo; and his beloved sister-in-law, Julia Bastianelli.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna, in 1999; daughter, Nancy Russo; and siblings, Tony Russo, Frances Picano, and Emilio Russo.

Family and friends may gather at Heeney-Sundquist for visitation on Thursday, February 16, from 2-8 pm, with 7 pm prayers.

Frank's funeral mass will be celebrated Friday morning, February 17, at 10:00 am (in state at 9:30 am), at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington.

Entombment will follow in the Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum, Southfield.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.

Kindly keep Frank and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.