Obituary of Franklin Michael DeBellis

Franklin Michael DeBellis (83) died peacefully in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 of lung cancer. Born in the Bronx on July 7, 1932 to Vito and Laura DeBellis, he was the third of five children. He had an older brother, Bill, an older sister, Francis (both deceased), and two younger sisters, Annie and Rosie. The family resided in New York's metropolitan area. Growing up in Queens, he shined shoes, sang in the choir and raised pigeons. Frank graduated from Long Island City High School in 1950 and entered the Air Force in 1951. He played football while stationed in Essex, England, and also spent time in Morocco. Following his father's death in 1955, he returned to the States where he met and married Geri, his loving wife of 58 years. After joining the NYFD in 1960, Frank eventually transferred to the prestigious Rescue 1 in Manhattan, where he enjoyed quite a storied career, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, where he remained until his retirement in 1980. During that time he attended a nursing training program through Hunter College and achieved his LPN in 1974. In September 1980, Frank and Geri retired to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Frank enjoyed life in the desert. An avid reader, swimmer, photographer, and devout Christian, Frank made many friends and had wonderful adventures with Michelle, his youngest daughter and constant companion. Assisting through her long battle with cancer, Frank lost Geri in August of 2014. They are survived by their three children, Tina, Joseph, and Michelle; three grandchildren Melissa, Jacqueline and Laura; and two great-grandchildren, Jayden and Jaxson. A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8 at the VFW. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his name. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Frank's family at www.lietzfrazefuneralhome.com.