Francis "Frank" Vincent Patrona

Francis Vincent Patrona, “Frank,” age 59 of Warren, died Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Ascension St. John Hospital in Warren, Michigan. He was born January 5, 1961 in Detroit, son of the late Tristan and the late Frances (nee: McPherson) Patrona.

Who knew?...a rhetorical question that may very well have been posed the day Frank discovered the shop he was working at was the manufacturing home of many automotive parts designed for the racing machines of NASCAR. That’s right,…each time one of those cars raced their way around the track, Frank took pride in the fact that the power plants under those hoods were being supported by parts originated at a little shop in Michigan on the corner of 9 Mile & Schoenherr. A machinist by trade, Frank was kind of a “Jack of all trades” under that roof and worked quite hard at a job he loved immensely.

Of course, along with being an integral part of making those engines run, Frank was also quite the NASCAR fan as well. Dedicated to the sport and an avid devotee of the races, both on television and in person, Frank would tune in as often as possible to see his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. ~ the iconic #3 car that set new paths and conquered many heights in this great American sport. And not merely within NASCAR, but Frank was a car enthusiast to the core. He possessed a broad appreciation for the automobile, in its many facets and genres, and was a common face in the crowd each year at the many shows, expos and auto-ramas that speckled the state. If there was an event on the calendar that was highlighting some of the magic of the Motor Capital, you could have bet money that Frank was planning on attending. With all of his appreciation and fervor, it only made sense that he would one day own something special of his own,…hence, the breathtaking 2017 Camaro 1LE that sat in his garage. One of just a few designed and manufactured of its style, it was truly Frank’s baby,…and he babied that car with the utmost in care and preservation.

Along with the work he performed on the job, Frank will also be remembered for his handiwork at home. He loved putting his hands to work and wasn’t a fan of staying idle for too long. From the deck he built on the house, to the overhang he constructed that brought welcomed shade and cover from the elements, and the countless other projects derived from his hard working hands, Frank left his mark in so many ways and his talents were amazing. He was truly a “Handyman” in every sense of the word.

When he wasn’t working (on those few occasions) and found time to treat himself, Frank loved jumping in the car and exchanging the concrete jungle for a bit of the Mitten’s up north beauty by heading for the family’s cabin up in Port Austin. A coastal hamlet nestled at the tip of the thumb on the shores of Lake Huron, the cabin afforded Frank a respite from his responsibilities and a place that he could simply b r e a t h e,…and take in the beauty of life and Michigan’s scenic splendors. Another source of escaping that Frank enjoyed was found in his love of music, especially Classic Rock. With the late 70’s and early 80’s encompassing much of what he grew up listening to, it’s music that has stood the test of time,…and certainly that of Frank’s as well. He may have been long since his childhood and teen years, but music saw him through then, and brought fond remembrances even unto today.

Affectionately referred to as a social butterfly, Frank was loved far beyond those in his family; he was a treasure to countless friends, as well. As the old adage goes; “he never met a stranger.” Making friends was effortless for Frank, he didn’t even need to try. His caring countenance and welcoming spirit drew you in like a magnet,…and friendship quickly ensued. He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back, and would help you in any way if he sensed a need. Many of us can only dream of having the blessing of a friend like Frank in our lives, and there are many out there who lived that blessing because of his beautiful soul. God used Frank as an ambassador of the heart and touched many in his journey this side of Heaven.

Yet of everything that brought Frank joy and sweet release, the love of family reigned supreme. He looked forward to each family gathering with the anticipation of a kid on Christmas morning,…probably because he was about to open the “gifts of their love” in the smiles and warmth they shared together as each event unfolded. In his earlier years, it was Frank’s children that tickled his heart,…and of late, it was his grandchildren that warmed his soul and made each occasion the memorable gift he reflected on with pleasure and gratitude. It’s always the young ones that bring out the kid in us, and Frank lived for those precious moments. But his blessings went even further…for you see…Frank was also a “Furr Daddy” to his cherished dogs, Bella & Sophie. His two prized puppies of the Shih-tzu variety, they were truly his four-legged kids that brought their own unique love to life and permeated his being beyond expression. A man and his dog(s),…it just doesn’t get any better than that!

A loving husband, father, grandfather & friend, Frank leaves behind a storehouse of wonderful memories shared with those he treasured as they created moments to last a lifetime. He lived, laughed and loved with passion, and that passion will live on in the hearts and souls of all who were blessed to know him. Though he leaves us far too soon, it is certainly not without imparting the best of himself unto us all. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.    

Frank was the beloved husband of Sondra (nee: Ashcroft) Patrona. Dearest father of Frank (Samantha) Patrona, Ryan (Kristina) Patrona, Michael (Lisa) Bagwell, Kelly (Karl) Rumptz, and Jeff (Holly) Bagwell. Loving grandfather of Brianna, Frank, Tristan, Austin, Evan, Brandon, Hannah, Autumn, and Ashlyn. Brother of Karen (Jeff) Morgan, and the late Matthew Patrona.

Visitation for Frank will be held Tuesday, July 28th from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.

His Funeral Service will be conducted at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, July 29th  at the funeral home. Officiating the service will be Fr. Mike Gawlowski.

Memorial donations are welcomed to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076  (www.cancer.org)...or to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.

Please share memories of Frank at his guest book below.