Frank A. Vite

Frank A. Vite, who followed a motto of "Faith, Family and Friends" during his lifetime, passed peacefully on May 31, 2023, attended by his love of seven decades, Barbara, in their Paradise Valley, Arizona, home. He was 93.

Born in Aurora, Illinois, to immigrant parents, Frank attended Marmion Military Academy prior to serving in combat in Korea where his decorations included the Bronze Star. After the war he returned to Elkhart, Indiana, where he built several successful businesses – and his most enduring legacy, a lifelong romance with his bride of 68 years and a loving family. Frank's leadership in the community included serving on the boards of numerous financial institutions, Skyline Industries and pioneering and endowing the state's first residential campus for the differently abled, the Aux Chandelle Foundation. Secure in his faith, he taught religion for decades, generously supported many Catholic charities and academic institutions and was inducted into the Knights of Malta, Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. Frank served on the boards of Holy Cross College, Saint Mary's College and Hillsdale College from which he received an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration.

Frank founded Golden Falcon Homes, was a partner in Skyline Industries prior to its public offering in 1958 and launched B&F Realty, a market-leading firm for decades. His numerous entrepreneurial endeavors brought many together in support of building the Elkhart community and improving the livelihoods and opportunities for all involved.

Although recognized by sports legends, industry titans, governors and presidents for his enduring contributions nationally and at home, the center of Frank's world is his marriage and his family. Together, he and Barbara actively supported their five children and grandchildren, securing in them a devotion to God, a standard of excellence and, above all, a caring for others.

Frank was preceded in passing by his parents, Francis and Rose Vite of Aurora, Illinois and two grandchildren, Steven Haines II and Winston Haines. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara (Decio), his five children: Bradley, Elkhart, Indiana; Mark (Donald Hardy) Paradise Valley, Arizona; Michael, Wichita Falls, Texas; Leslie (Sam Dashiell) Palm Beach, Florida; Lisa, Granger, Indiana; grandchildren: Caroline Dashiell Dean (Rascoe), Sam Dashiell, Jr. (Lindsey), Michael Vite, Jennie Vite, and Will Haines. His four great-grandchildren, Davis Poppy Dean, Mitchell Dean, Foster Dean, and William Dashiell Dean.

A service and celebration for the immediate family was held in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hillsdale College, 33 East College St., Hillsdale, MI 49242; Aux Chandelles, 19670 S.R. 120, Bristol, IN 46507, and the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85253.

Please visit the Tribute Wall to share memories of Frank at https://www.messinger mortuary.com/obituaries/obituarylistings.