Entrepreneur, supporter of education, healthcare, business, community and church leader are all terms that could easily describe Frank D. Stella. He was the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of the F.D. Stella Products Company, Detroit, designers and distributors of food service and dining equipment. He was also the Chairman and CEO of Stella International, New York, a consulting joint venture and importing firm, Chairman of U.S. Coking and a member of the Board of Directors of Metropolitan Realty Corp., Director and Director Emeritus of Covansys. An alumnus of the University of Detroit College of Commerce and Finance 1941, Frank devoted his life to the betterment of others. His biography reads like an encyclopedia of achievements, awards and honors earned in serving the greater good. Frank has served as a Board Member for many medical and educational institutions including the University of Detroit Mercy for over 24 years, Wayne Community College Foundation, Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center, Detroit Round Table, Detroit Urban League, Rehabilitation Institute Center for Independent Living, Vice Chairman of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan and Vice Chairman of Grace Hospital, Detroit Medical Center Board of Directors and Chairman of the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. Frank held seats on the boards of numerous civic, business and educational organizations and received numerous awards and honors for his commitment and dedication. His political achievements include numerous chairs within the National Republican Committee as well as being an appointee of five presidents: Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush and Bush. He was decorated by the government of Italy three times and received its highest decoration "Grand Ufficiale". Frank also received several honorary degrees from many colleges here and in Italy. He was the 1995 recipient of the George W. Romney Award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism and in 1997 he was selected as Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News. Throughout his life Frank was the recipient of numerous awards from many civic and religious organizations. Frank was drafted into the Army during WWII, attended Officer Candidate School in Miami Beach, FL and was honorably discharged in 1958 as a Major in the Army Air Force. Amongst all of his vast accomplishments, his greatest achievement was his large and loving family. Married 53 years to the love of his life, Martha Yetzer, together they raised seven children. His family grew to include 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A devout man of faith, his unwavering faith and love of God was the guiding force in his life and permeated all that he achieved. Throughout his 91 years his guiding principle was to make a difference in the lives of others - and that he did. He was loved and will be missed by many. Beloved husband of the late Martha T. Dear father of Mary Anne, William J. (Dianne), Philip J. M.D. (Lynn), Marsha Lawrence, James C. (Lisa), Stephen P. (Anne) and the late Daniel F. (Kaethe). Also survived by 17 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and brothers Henry and Joseph. Family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd. (btwn Maple & Big Beaver), Wednesday 5-8p.m. and Thursday 2-8p.m. Rosary Thursday 7p.m. Funeral Mass Friday 11a.m. at St. Scholastica Church, 8201 W. Outer Drive, Detroit. Visitation at church begins 10a.m. In lieu of flowers family suggests memorial tributes to: Michigan Opera Theatre 1526 Broadway Detroit, MI 48226 P.I.M.E. Missionaries 17330 Quincy Detroit, MI 48221 Polycystic Kidney Foundation (PKD Foundation), 8330 Ward Pkwy Ste 510 Kansas City, MO 64117-2000 Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Office of Development 261 Mack Ave. Room 808 Detroit, MI 48201 University of Detroit Mercy Advancement Office 4001 W. McNichols Detroit, MI 48221
