Frank Forest

Frank is survived by his wife, Michela, his mother Luciana, brother Claudio, sister-in-law Carol and his nieces, Cassandra and Courtney, one uncle, Antonio (Tony), who lives in Italy, and many cousins, who live in the U.S., Canada, and Italy. His beloved and late father, Angelo, was his role model. They were very close, worked so many years together and spent quality time together. He really missed his father when he passed.

Frank grew up in Livonia, where he attended Clarenceville High School. He earned an Associate Degree in Construction Engineering from Lawrence Technological University. He began working in construction since he was young. His father owned a construction company, he began spending the afternoons after school helping out by cleaning up, setting up tools and equipment for the next work day. Later he did construction work for his father and his business partners, learning a lot from them.

He went on to open his own construction company (commercial and light industrial) based on his pragmatic work ethic. He then partnered with his brother and on his own again when his brother moved out of state.

He was very handy. He timely and efficiently repaired and fixed anything that was not working. Due to his talent, some family members called him “mani d’oro” (golden hands).

Frank was very passionate about old cars, especially muscle cars. He loved restoring old cars. He liked his cars to be as close as possible to their original conditions. He spent countless hours working, fixing, looking and finding original car parts, tuning and repairing his cars. He took pride in keeping them in working order, and very clean. He always had a special dusting mop in the trunk of his old cars. His knowledge of everything car related made easy for him to start a conversation that could last a very long time with other car enthusiasts when attending a car show, a cruise night, or any other car related events (public and private).A few years ago, he became good friends with a group called “the car guys”. It was so exciting to go to car “events” and meet his friends. They always kept a spot for him and his car. They identify each other by the car(s) they owned, he was Frank, who owned the 1970 Plymouth GTX. His eyes always lit up when he spoke about cars, engines and mechanics.

Frank also loved to travel with Michela, to visit and discover new places, especially “off the beaten path”. Outdoor activities were preferred during the trips. Frank and Michela traveled extensively in the U.S. , Caribbean, and Europe. He enjoyed visiting friends and family in Italy, where Frank’s parents and his wife are originally from. He attended elementary school in Italy, when his family moved to Italy for one year. He was fluent in Italian and felt at home both in Italy and in the U.S. He loved visiting all the relatives in Italy. He loved food, cooking and eating it, and during the visits the gatherings always ended at a dinner table with excellent food.

Frank adored the two rescue dogs he and Michela adopted, Chuy and Bruno. Their dogs were true travel companions and shared in many of their adventures.

He was a member of the Cordenons Club of Michigan,a lifetime member of the Italian American Club of Livonia, and a Gold Card member of the Venetian Club of Mutual Aid in Madison Heights. He actively participated in the Venetian Club council and Hall Management Committee. He gave a generous hand using his skills when needed. The yearly Halloween Haunted House at the Venetian Club was a big project, designed differently every year by other Club members. As the club room and the bocce court were transformed for a week or two into a special fun place for members, nonmembers and charities to enjoy. He put all his soul and spent long hours building the Haunted House with his good Venetian Club friends. He always made sure family and friends were invited to enjoy this and many of the other events held at the Venetian Club.

Frank was proud of his Italian heritage. He was passionate about his work, he had stringent standards, as punctuality, honesty, determination were just some of his traits. He enjoyed life, loved his family, and having friends (he was very selective, as a good high school friend he reconnected with said he was happy to be on Frank’s “short list”). Frank was kind, funny, and generous. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Edith Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI 48154, with a funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's honor to St. Louis Center, Humane Society of Huron Valley, and Gift of Life of Michigan.

Frank will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.