Frank M. Carrozza Jr.

A man of honor, integrity, and unwavering courage, Frank Carrozza, Jr. was an inspiration to those around him. He was an active part of the community he loved and was well respected in the career he enjoyed. Married to his true love for more than 40 years, Frank was a devoted husband and father who treasured his family above all else. He was often unpredictable, which is part of what made him so much fun to be around, and no matter where he was he brought the world around him to life. Frank was taken from his loved ones too soon, but his memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of his family and numerous friends.

During the first half of the 1940s the nation’s focus was on WWII overseas. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods while victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the nation’s food supply. Manufacturing shifted to support the war effort, and loved ones gathered around radios to await the latest news from the front lines. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1944 that was filled with great anticipation for a young couple from Ellenville, New York, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their third child. The big day finally arrived on July 22nd when the baby boy they named Frank Michael, Jr. drew his first breath. As the youngest of three children born to his parents, Frank and Cecilia (DeFilippo) Carrozza, Sr. he made a chirping sound at birth, which gave him the nickname “Pidge” after a pigeon all the way through high school.

Raised in the family home alongside his older sister, Fran, and his older brother, Tony, Frank experienced a typical childhood for the youth of his generation. His father supported their family as a prison guard for New York State while his mother was a medical technician in Elmira, New York. Frank was a student at George Washington Elementary in Elmira and went on to Elmira Free Academy where he ran track. He also ran in the Boston Marathon while in high school. Frank worked as a caddie at Elmira Country Club and Mark Twain Golf Course.

After graduating from high school in 1963, he continued his education at Florida Atlantic University, later graduating with his B.A. in 1967. From there he went on to graduate from University of Toledo Law School in 1971.

Not only did he graduate from law school in 1971, but Frank also met the young girl who stole his heart that same year. Her name was Beth Paone, and they had their first date in February. By August of that same year Frank had proposed to his sweetheart at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Frank and Beth became husband and wife on December 28, 1971.

The newlyweds settled into a home on Peck Street in Muskegon where they would live for 14 years. Frank worked as an attorney while Beth taught school at Muskegon Heights Elementary. On November 26, 1983, Frank and Beth welcomed their daughter, Alexis Kim, into their hearts and home, and on April 15, 1985, their family of four was completed with the birth of their son, Marc Frank. It was the following year, in 1986, that they moved to a home in North Muskegon.

Throughout his life Frank was accompanied by a strong work ethic. He had a rewarding career as an attorney, and in 1988 he started working with his fellow partners, Potuznik, Wilson, Pannucci, and Fisher, who remained his partners for more than 20 years. Frank also worked as assistant attorney general for workers’ compensation for over 20 years. He retired in 2009. Additionally, Frank was a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Muskegon County Bar Association.

In addition to his work, Frank kept busy in other ways. He was a member of First Congregational Church UCC, as well as a member White Lake Golf Course and Muskegon Country Club as he was an avid golfer throughout his entire life. Every year Frank looked forward to taking a golfing trip down to Florida with a group of buddies. There were also family trips to Northern Michigan including to Beaver Island. Frank loved cooking and was an amazing gourmet cook who was part of a gourmet group with the Lachniets, the Leinickes, and the Muskovitzs for over 20 years. Some of his closest friends also included Bob Fox, Al Parent, and Alex Simon among many others. Frank had a large circle of friends wherever he went as the Johnsons, the Klingenmaier-Winegars, and the Leinickes were good friends from church. As his family and friends can attest, Frank loved being Italian. Several dogs were treasured companions through the years as they were like additional members of the family. Additionally, Frank was a history buff, a lifelong fisherman, and a dynamic storyteller.

Energetic, ethical, and courageous are just a few of the words that come to mind when reflecting on the life of Frank Carrozza, Jr. He loved life to the fullest and made the most of each and every moment he was given. Everyone loved his stories, and life around Frank was never dull. It was easy to see that his love for his family was his greatest passion as he viewed being a husband and father was his richest reward. Frank will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Frank M. Carrozza, Jr., of North Muskegon, died on Monday, July 21, 2014. Frank’s family includes his wife, Beth; son, Marc Carrozza of Muskegon; daughter, Alexis Kim (Paul Kulicamp) Carrozza of NY; sister, Frances (Bill) Farzley of FL; brother, Anthony Carrozza of NY; several nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2014, 3:00 p.m. and visitation one hour prior to the service at First Congregational Church UCC with Dan Bonner officiating. Memorial donations can be made to Little Red House. Arrangements provided by Clock Funeral Home- Muskegon