Francis R. Deni

Francis "Frank" Deni, 87, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Woodland Hospice, with his family by his side. Frank was born November 2, 1934, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, son of the late Luigi and Rose (Vetere) Deni. A short time after graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1953, Frank worked for Fabiano Brothers driving a beer truck. In 1957 he was drafted by the U.S. Army, was stationed in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1959. Upon his return to the states, Frank used his savings and, with his father, purchased a small grocery store on West Broadway. They would call it Deni's Superette which he owned and operated for 25 years. During that span, he married the love of his life, Nancy E. Swain, on May 12, 1962, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Frank was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Parish and was immensely active at Sacred Heart Academy. He was a member and past president of the SHA Athletic Association, was a founding member of the SHA fish frys, and was one of Sacred Heart's most loyal sports fans. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council 1297 and the American Legion. Frank retired from JC Penny where he was head of maintenance. He leaves behind his two children, Sue Ellen (Scott) Owen and Frank Deni, both of Mt. Pleasant; two grandsons, Wyatt and Walker; siblings, Paul (Sharon) Deni of Georgia and Roseann Bommarito of Saginaw; and several nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy Deni; brother, Louis Deni; and in-laws, Shelva Deni and Rita Deni. A Funeral Mass for Frank will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Thursday from 4-7:30 p.m. with the Vigil (and time for sharing) beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Friday one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Academy Foundation . Envelopes are available at the funeral home.   To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.