Frank Philliben

Frank Philliben (74) passed away peacefully on June 26th 2023, with his family lovingly by his side.

Born February 19th, 1949 in Bannockburn, Scotland, moved to Dearborn at age five. He attended St. Alphonsus (K-12) where he made life-long friendships. Frank went on to serve in the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry in Vietnam with military honors. When he returned, he married Sharon Whitmore (Colbert) and together they raised two daughters (Nicole and Kerri). Frank had a 30 year career with Ford Motor Company and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit.

Frank was an avid sports enthusiast, playing hockey, baseball, softball, bowling and golf. He was a passionate sports fan always cheering on the University of Michigan. He was an even bigger fan of his four grandsons and their respective sports.

Frank loved to travel across the country and spend time on the water, where you could find him during the summers captaining his boat on the Tittabawasee with family and friends by his side. The cottage up north holds many memories of dinners on the deck, boat rides, and late nights by the bonfire.

Frank is survived by his partner of 35 years, Marcia Dawson, her daughter Kristen Dawson (Matt Gordon), his daughter Nicole Kolka (Jason), his son-in-law Bob Rowland, his brother John Philliben (Ruth), his sister Agnes Philliben, his four grandsons Nick Rowland, Ryan Rowland, Jack Kolka, Conor Kolka, his niece Reilly Philliben, his nephew Matthew Philliben as well as many cousins and in-laws.

Frank is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Kerri Philliben (Rowland), his parents Margaret and John Philliben, and his brother Charlie Philliben.

Frank had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, brave, and loyal. He will be remembered for all the jokes, wisdom, and love he shared with his friends and family. Frank’s greatest love was always his family. He will be missed dearly.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at 12:30pm with a luncheon to follow at the Italian American Club, 39200 Five Mile Road, Livonia.