Frank D'Elia

Francesco (Frank) D’Elia was born to Giovanni Battista D’Elia and Antoinetta Raffaela (Trotta) D’Elia in Fuscaldo, Cosenza, Italy. In 1940 at the age of eight, he and his family departed Naples aboard the Rex, arriving in New York after an eight-day voyage. The family settled in Dearborn, Michigan.

Frank’s first “paying” job was with Greenfield Center Market in Dearborn; starting as a box boy he was quickly promoted to cashier. At this job he worked his way through college. After graduation he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany, working in communications. He then moved to California and began his long career with Bank of America.

Frank started as bank teller and worked up through all levels of positions - vault teller, operations officer, loan officer, bank manager, district manager, and ultimately, vice president.

Early in Frank’s career he met a lovely young woman who worked as a teller at the same bank. Frank and Mary Louise (Marilou) Flack were married January 9, 1957, in Burbank, CA.

Over the years Frank and Marilou were blessed with seven children. Frank’s career took the family to Simi Valley, Ventura, and Woodland Hills. He enjoyed taking the family on spontaneous road trips in their VW van, and epic camping adventures (complete with ski boat!). Frank also enjoyed working outdoors in his yard, woodworking, and in particular, making beautiful fences and walls out of stones he collected over time.

Frank retired from Bank of America in 1992; he and Marilou moved to rural acreage in Fair Play, CA. The place was quickly dubbed “D’Ranch”. During his retirement years, Frank enjoyed cooking authentic Italian food, making several varieties of red wine, caring for chickens, sheep, horses and donkeys, building birdhouses, and serving as Deacon at Pioneer Bible Church for more than 20 years. The latter years of their retirement were spent living closer to “town” in a sylvan cottage in downtown Placerville.

Preceded in death by spouse of 59 years Mary Louise “Marilou” D’Elia (Flack), parents Battista and Raffaela D’Elia (Trotta); son Patrick A. D’Elia; brother Pasquale D’Elia and granddaughter Lauren DeCoste. Survived by children Donna (Brad) Holland, Robert D’Elia, Vincent (Diane) D’Elia, Mary (William) DeCoste, Frank (Sheryl) D’Elia, Jonathan (Amy) D’Elia, Dennice D’Elia (widow of Patrick D’Elia); brother Angelo (Sonia) D’Elia; sister Rosina (David) Stecyk; grandchildren Melanie, Kimberly, Stephanie, Jessica, Brett, Lindsey, Patrick, F. Cole, Sean, Rebekah, Spencer, Elizabeth, Daniel, Monica, and Sabrina, and great-grandchildren Ellie, Eli, and Emma Lee.

Of all his accomplishments, Frank was most proud of being a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. The pure joy he got from his family was immeasurable. Those who are fortunate to have known Frank will remember him as a generous, warm, sensible, and genuine individual. Jesus has welcomed a remarkable servant into His arms. Donations can be made to Snowline Hospice. Arrangements under the care of Chapel of the Pines, Placerville, CA.