Frank Anthony Carnovale was born in St. Marys, Pennsylvania on September 5, 1953 to parents Bruno and Marlene (Wolfel) Carnovale. He was raised in Emporium, Pennsylvania where he attended Cameron County High School. After graduating, Frank joined the United States Navy and proudly served on the U.S.S. Bonefish submarine. Shortly after, on August 20, 1977, he married the love of his life, Paula (Fisher). The two attended Penn State University together where Frank received his Masters in Architecture. They moved to Michigan where they started their family and Frank started his architecture firm and construction company.
Most important to Frank was his family. He is survived by his wife, Paula, his four children, Alison, Zachary, Lucas and Julia, his father, Bruno, his four sisters, Debra Gschwendtner (Dave), Maria DiBello (Denny), Kathy Carnovale, Laurie Horrocks (Jim), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Marlene and brother, Michael.
Frank enjoyed designing and building people their dream homes, riding his Harley, cooking for his family and friends, hunting, traveling, creative writing and photography. Frank was very passionate about architecture and education, and greatly enjoyed teaching at Lawrence Technological University. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and active in the American Society of Professional Estimators. He was also very involved with the City of Birmingham, especially the development of the Rail District.
On June 11, 2015, Frank went to Heaven after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma that he fought with a positive attitude and his strong faith. He will be remembered as a devoted family man with an unforgettable enthusiasm and sense of humor. He was well read and inspirational to all who knew him. Frank was loyal and cherished time spent with his friends. His infectious smile and powerful words of wisdom will be greatly missed, but will forever be with those he touched.
Family will receive friends Tuesday 2:00-8:00pm with Rosary at 7:00pm A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (btwn 13-14 Mile), Royal Oak.
Funeral Mass Wednesday 10:00am at Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon (at Woodland), Birmingham.Visiting at church 9:00am.
In lieu of flowers, Frank's family requests that donations be made to the Joseph Dresner Family Clinic for Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation at Karmanos Cancer Center (karmanos.org).
