Frank Barraco

Francesco Rocco "Frank" Barraco passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 91, in the Plymouth, Michigan home that had been at the center of his life for decades. Born on March 19, 1935, in Santa Ninfa, Sicily, Frank never forgot the values and traditions of his homeland. In 1948, at the age of 13, he immigrated to the United States with his parents and brother, arriving in Plymouth, where he would eventually build a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, service to others, and pride in his Sicilian heritage. Frank often spoke fondly of his roots and carried the spirit of Sicily with him throughout his life. Family, food, friendship, and hospitality were not merely traditions to him, they were guiding principles. He believed that no one should leave his table hungry, and he found great joy in preparing meals for those he loved. Whether cooking for family gatherings, community events, or hundreds of guests at Moose Lodge functions, Frank's kitchen was a place where stories were shared, friendships were strengthened, and everyone was made to feel welcome. One of the most treasured connections in Frank's life was the extraordinary bond he shared with his mother, Pauline, and his eldest son, Paul. All three were born on March 19, creating a rare and cherished family legacy that spanned three generations. The shared birthday was a source of pride, celebration, and countless memories throughout the years. Like many families, Frank’s life included relationships that experienced challenges over the years. Despite a long estrangement from his son Tony, he never stopped caring about him, speaking of him and holding onto hope for reconciliation. Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army, carrying with him the same sense of duty and commitment that would characterize every chapter of his life. Following his military service, he dedicated more than 35 years to General Motors, where he earned the respect of colleagues through his strong work ethic, reliability, and dedication before retiring. Service to others remained a cornerstone of Frank's life. He was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose and a founding member of both the Northville and South Lyon, Michigan lodges. He was also a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Plymouth, Michigan. Among the causes nearest to his heart was Mooseheart Child City & School in Aurora, Illinois. Frank believed deeply in helping children and families, and he generously supported Mooseheart's mission throughout his life. Those who knew Frank will remember a man who rarely sought recognition for himself. He found fulfillment in showing up, lending a hand, preparing a meal, volunteering his time and helping wherever help was needed. However, to know Frank was to understand that he was not a quiet man. On the contrary, he was extremely boisterous, opinionated, very direct and demanding, wickedly forward often without any filters, terribly sassy, and cantankerous to say the least. Folks knew they had to have thick skin when being around Frank. His generosity was measured not by what he had, but by what he gave. He understood that life's greatest blessings were family, friendship, and the opportunity to serve others. Frank is survived by his two sons, Paul Joseph Barraco, born in Plymouth, Michigan (and Ignazio Grande), both now residing in Calatafimi-Segesta, Sicily; and Anthony “Tony” Todd Barraco of Wayne, Michigan; his grandson, Mason David Rocco Barraco of Sanford, Florida (Paul’s son), his granddaughter, April Ferris Barraco of Battle Creek, Michigan (Anthony’s daughter), his brother, Salvatore Giuseppe "Joe" Barraco and his wife, Marcia, of Plymouth, Michigan; along with many nieces, nephews and relatives both in the USA and Sicily; friends and fellow lodge members who were fortunate to know him. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Jessie Ruth Smith Barraco, the mother of his sons Paul and Tony; his father, Francesco “Frank” Paolo Barraco; and his mother, Francesca Paola "Pauline" Barraco. From the hills of Sicily to the neighborhoods of Plymouth, Frank's life reflected the American immigrant story at its best, a journey built on courage, perseverance, faith, family, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, service, and love that will continue through the generations that follow him. Though his chair at the table now sits empty, the lessons he taught, the meals he shared, the laughter he inspired, and the love he gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, reunited with those who went before him and forever remembered by those he leaves behind. Visitation Wednesday June 3rd 3 PM to 8PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd. W, (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. Interment will be on Friday June 5th at 10 AM at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Moose Heart Charities 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart IL 60539. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Frank Barraco

March 19, 1935 - May 30, 2026