Francis DiBella

Francis Paul DeBella, of Richland Twp., MI departed this life on December 10, 2016 from Rose Arbor Hospice. Frank was the devoted husband of Nancy (Richer) DiBella and loving father to Christine, Michael, Matthew (pre-deceased), and Regina and their partners Dan and Aaron. Born in Boston, he also left behind his sisters Cecilia and Stella, brother Tony, and grandson Max. He was predeceased by his parents Rosario and Mary (DiCarlo) DiBella. Frank was a graduate of the Roxbury Latin School, Brown University, and the University of Minnesota where he earned his PhD in biochemistry. He continued his academic studies at the University of Pennsylvania. It was a life-changing move, for it was in Philadelphia that he met Nancy, his loving partner of 45 + years. Frank and his family moved to Kalamazoo many years ago to work for what was then Upjohn. He survived that company's numerous transitions and retired in 2007 from Pfizer. Frank was a professional scientist, expert chess player, lover of classical music (it's rumored he liked The Doors as well), and devoted fan of Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox. Frank enjoyed spending time with his family and life's simpler pleasures growing tomatoes, eating pasta with clam sauce, backyard grilling, gazing at the ocean, bird watching, tracking the weather, and in later years, working on his Nook Tablet. Our hearts are saddened, but relieved that his suffering from the effects of neurofibromatosis and Parkinson's has ended. A memorial service for Frank will be held at St. Ambrose Church, 1628 E G Avenue in Parchment on Saturday, December 17 at 10:30am. To commemorate his life, donations may be made to the Children's Tumor Foundation, NF Michigan, P.O. Box 6026, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6026, or the Hearing Loss Association Michigan PO Box 4808, Troy, MI 48099. Parchment Redmond Funeral Home.