“Never problems, only opportunities…and every opportunity has its challenges.” That was Frank Arcori’s philosophy. He was a daring entrepreneur, an exemplary leader, an avid golfer, and a devoted family man. The year 1957 was marked with events that changed our world forever. The Soviet Union launched the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik I. The following month, Sputnik II carried a dog, the first living being to enter space. These successful endeavors gave birth to the “Space Race,” a concerted effort by both the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve significant space milestones. Meanwhile, a 13-year-old named Bobby Fischer was making a name for himself as a champion in the world of chess.

It was also in 1957 that Dr. Seuss introduced us to his quirky character, The Cat in the Hat. That year, moviegoers were thronging to see The Bridge on the River Kwai and Twelve Angry Men. The emerging counterculture movement of the “Beat Generation” gave us the term “Beatnik.”

It was on September 5th of 1957 that Frank and Antoinette Arcori, of Detroit, Michigan, welcomed their first born son, Frank, into the world. Two little brothers, Joseph and John, would eventually follow him into the family. Young Frank attended St. Juliana Grade School and, later, Bishop Gallagher High School. Frank loved to play basketball, and was even known to show his school spirit by leading the fans in a cheer or two.

Following graduation, Frank enrolled in Wayne State University. However, after three years of diligent study, a professor in one of his classes boasted that Frank could earn as much as $17,000 a year once he had graduated. That settled it for Frank; he dropped out of college. He was already making more than that!

Frank and Antoinette Arcori were the proud proprietors of a grocery store, aptly named Frank’s Market. Young Frank grew up helping out in the store. In 1977, while he was still in college, Frank ventured into a business of his own, a small sandwich company called Little A’s that he ran in the back of the family store.

That sandwich business would shape the direction of Frank’s entire life. It not only persuaded him to drop out of school and pursue a career, it led to the most fateful meeting of his life. It was on a sales trip to another grocery store that Frank met the most fantastic young woman that he had ever seen. Her name was Lamia Seman, and her parents owned the store. Frank was so stunned by Lamia’s beauty that he forgot to make the sale. Because Frank was Italian and Lamia was Chaldean, the young couple had to hide their attraction for one another. They dated stealthily for seven months before they openly attended Lamia’s cousin’s wedding, where Frank proposed to this amazing woman. They could no longer hide their love, and they were married on September 7, 1980, in a beautiful ceremony at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Oak Park, Michigan. Eventually, the Chaldean community came to accept Frank as one of their own.

At first, the newlyweds lived in a condominium in Southfield, where they enjoyed entertaining friends. Frank was an East side boy who fell in love with the West side. He was totally dedicated to his young bride, and was so patient and understanding with her. He was never one to say “no” to her. In 1983, with the impending arrival of their first child, Frank and Lamia purchased a home in the community of Farmington Hills. Before 1983 passed into history, the Arcoris were the beaming parents of a precious baby girl whom they named Angela. She was truly their little angel! Three years later, the lovely Marisa would make her appearance, followed by their only son, Frank in 1987. Last to join the family was sweet little Leann, who arrived in 1989.

Frank was a sensational father. Like everything else he did, he threw himself wholeheartedly into parenthood. He was totally devoted to his children, never missing a single one of their events, and in particular, their sporting events. On one occasion, when Frank, Jr., was playing on the Brother Rice hockey team that won the state hockey championship, Frank was so proud of his son that they both climbed the glass barrier surrounding the rink. They met at the top of the glass to share a hearty embrace.

Frank sacrificed willingly for his family, always striving to give them the best. Angela still recalls her 16th birthday, when he got her a brand new car. Frank had the valet at P. F. Chang’s drive the car up with a huge bow on it. Frank’s faith always remained of prime importance to him, and he endeavored to instill that ardor in his children. He was generous with his hugs, but he also taught them to make good, sound decisions. Frank was a leader who taught his children leadership by his excellent example. He was very active in the parish life of St. Fabian Catholic Church, where the children attended grade school.

Family traditions were a vital ingredient of Frank’s life, especially the tradition of Sunday family dinners. Frank loved to eat and he was particularly fond of his Mama’s pasta sauce. Hanging the Christmas lights was another tradition that Frank relished. He became known as the Clark Griswald of Farmington Hills! He would decorate outside, while Lamia embellished the inside of their home for the holidays.

A born entrepreneur, Frank loved to try new things and was never afraid of taking risks. Frank had a gift for making other’s lives easier by helping them to solve their problems. He and one of his brothers bought their parents’ grocery store in 1980. In 1983, he opened the first of his Vegas Food Centers. They were followed in 1994 by a Save-A-Lot grocery store. Later, he owned and operated a Pet Supplies Plus. Frank also delved into Walgreen real estate and even into hotel development. He gained a reputation as an extremely loyal business partner and so many people sought him out as a savvy investor and partner. Frank was so charming and hardworking that people were just drawn to him. He was able to share his talents with many members of the community. It is said that if Frank actually took the time to sit down, he often fell right to sleep. The Arcori brothers also joined Emmet Denha in a business venture that developed into a strong and lasting friendship. Frank’s last business endeavor was to assist Wireless Giant in becoming a national entity. This, too, was a success.

Although Frank never wanted pets, Lamia was able to trick him into having a little Maltese they named Princess. At first, Lamia told him that she was just babysitting for the dog. In reality, she owned the little critter. Eventually the dog endeared herself to Frank; she even appeared in one of his commercials for Pet Supplies Plus.

In addition to work, church and family life, Frank somehow found time to volunteer his services to the organizations that he supported. He was on the board of directors of Rose Hill. He also served as President of the Association of Food Dealers, and he was active in Deaf Can.

When Frank wasn’t working on one of his ventures, he could most likely be found on the links. He loved to play golf, especially with his son. Frank had many golfing buddies. Forty of them accompanied him to Cabo St. Lucas for a golf tournament, which he won. Many of his vacations were geared toward this favorite pastime. Frank also liked to relax with a friendly game of spades. He collected Mont Blanc pens, a hobby that he referred to as his only vice. Frank liked to use a different pen for each occasion.

Other trips were family-centered, especially the special spring-break adventures. One of the most memorable was their Royal Caribbean cruise. On Frank and Lamia’s 25th wedding anniversary, he took an unprecedented three weeks off from work to escort his bride and some dear friends on a fabulous tour of Italy.

On September 30, 2006, Frank G. Arcori died, at the age of 49. He leaves behind his beloved Lamia (Seman) and his cherished children, Angela, Marisa, Frank Jr. and Leann. He was the devoted son of Antoinette and the late Frank Arcori and the brother of Joseph and John (Tammy). He was the loving son-in-law of Hanni and the late Jahad Seman. He will be missed by all the Seman nieces and nephews, as well as by Michael, Joseph, Juliana and Valerie Arcori. Family and friends may visit Thursday from 3-9 PM and Friday 1-9 PM at the McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI. The Rosary will be recited Friday at 7 PM at the funeral home. Instate will be Saturday 9:00AM until the Mass at 10:00AM at St. Fabian Catholic Church. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Rose Hill Center, 5130 Rose Hill Blvd., Holly, MI 48442, or to the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity, Suite 238, 21711 W. 10 Mile, Southfield, MI 48075. May we all find comfort in trusting that Frank is now our Guardian Angel.