It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Francis “Frank” Bevilacqua, 85, of Sterling Heights, MI, on May 25, 2023 after an extended battle with lymphoma. Frank led an amazing life full of adventure, tennis, travel, and most importantly, family and Frank’s love of Christ.

Frank was born on October 30, 1937 to Marie and Francis J. Bevilacqua of Pittsburgh, PA. Frank and older sister Joan (Bevilacqua) Mahon spent their early years helping out at the family’s downtown Pittsburgh restaurant the B&B, working at the family furniture store, traveling, and enjoying life. Frank’s high school yearbook noted about Frank: “Full of tricks and lots of mischief, Having fun is his belief”.

After graduating from Bethel Borough High School in 1955, Frank tried various odd jobs eventually working hard and saving enough money to purchase his dream car, a brand new silver 1959 Corvette convertible with cash. Frank met Sandra Sakely of Library, PA after she won the local Miss Evangeline beauty pageant and they fell in love and were married in May, 1960. Frank was working as a service technician for Best Service and he and Sandy also opened a local laundry service and raised their first 2 children during their early married years. Frank’s work for Best Service was so exceptional that he was noticed by the Whirlpool Corporation who offered him a job at the headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI.

Frank and Sandy moved to Michigan to begin a new career at Whirlpool and Michigan became their lifelong home. Frank and Sandy settled in a home on Lake Michigan in Stevensville and enjoyed bowling, tennis, travel, and raising their growing family. Frank and Sandy loved to travel all over the world, eventually purchasing an oceanside villa in Puerto Vallarta they enjoyed with family and friends.

Frank and Sandy enjoyed 36 wonderful years of marriage prior to Sandy’s death from leukemia December 7, 1995. Frank and Sandy were blessed with 5 children, Christopher Michael Bevilacqua, Angela Mary Bevilacqua (deceased 2015), Anthony Michael Bevilacqua, Patrick Michael Bevilacqua, and Veronica Mary (Bevilacqua) Hallam.

Later Frank moved to the metropolitan Detroit area where he opened a kitchen and bath business and he worked in the industry until retiring in 2022. Frank enjoyed travel, playing tennis and pickleball, and following his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers as a lifelong devoted fan. Frank was even more devoted to his faith in the Lord and he regularly attended Bible Study Fellowship and had an amazing impact on so many including his volunteer work to support and care for others. Frank volunteered countless hours for the Dream Centers of Michigan and more recently the Oakland Hope food pantry.  Later in life Frank met Patricia Nault and they enjoyed tennis and skiing and they traveled to many amazing destinations together.

Frank is survived by his loving sister Joan (Bevilacqua) Mahon of North Carolina and his children Chris and Bonnie Bevilacqua of St. Clair Shores, MI, Tony and Ruth Ann Bevilacqua of Suffolk, VA, Patrick and Susan Bevilacqua of Orion, MI, and Veronica and John Hallam of Goshen, IN along with Grandchildren Emily Bevilacqua, Jake Bevilacqua, Cassie and Alex Radelich, Owen Bevilacqua, Nicole and Kyle Reichenbach, Zack Bevilacqua, Jordan and Chandler Lively, Brooke and David Pitchford, Luke and Riley Bevilacqua, Grace Hallam, Alayna Bevilacqua, Ashley Hallam, Dominic Bevilacqua, Kate Bevilacqua, Nick Hallam, Maddie Bevilacqua, and Noah Hallam.  Frank is also survived by 6 great grandchildren.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, Frank's impact on those who knew him will continue to be felt. His strong belief in Christ, devotion to his family, and passion for the things he loved will forever be remembered, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he touched.

As we say goodbye to Frank Bevilacqua, let us honor and cherish the memories of a man who was an incredible father, devoted Christian, and a friend to many. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy of love and faith will be carried on by those who were fortunate to have witnessed the depth of his character and the kindness of his heart.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Frank’s name to the American Cancer Society. There will be a celebration of life for Frank on Friday, August 4th, 2023 at 11:00am at Woodside Bible Church, 6600 Rochester Road, Troy, MI.  Following the memorial service a luncheon will be served to celebrate Frank's life with his family and friends.

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