Frank J. Lipford

Frank J. Lipford, 89 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. Born November 20, 1936, in Monroe, Frank was the son of the late Frank G. and Mary A. (Mastromarco) Lipford. Frank attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and Elementary School in Monroe, where he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Frank was a 1954 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central High School where he lettered in Football and Track. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University. He was a member of ATO Fraternity. On July 5, 1958, Frank married his beloved wife the former, Marilyn Kay Munson, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Sadly, Kay preceded him in death on August 28, 2013, after 55 years of marriage. Frank began his career as a salesman at Monroe Auto Equipment working his way up the ladder to became Vice President of Sales. He then became President of NAPA Auto Parts. After retiring from NAPA, Frank started his own company, Quality Battery Systems, from which he retired. While at NAPA Frank was instrumental in getting the company, and Janet Guthrie involved with NASCAR. Frank was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Nick’s Club, the Monroe Golf and Country Club, and Mariner Sands Country Club in Stuart, Florida. He enjoyed Michigan State Athletics, spending winters at his home in Stuart Florida and playing golf. Most of all, Frank enjoyed time spent with family. Frank is survived by four loving children: Craig S. Lipford, Cheryl S. Lipford, Missy K. Read, and Douglas F. (Stacy) Lipford, five cherished grandchildren: Kevin (Brittany) Walters, Todd Walters, Grace Lipford, Patrick Lipford and Caroline Lipford, two treasured great grandchildren: Bronson and Hannah Walters, three brothers: John (Janice) Lipford, Ralph Lipford, William (Sandy) Lipford, a sister-in-law, Marcia Lipford and many nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, “St. Kay”, Frank was preceded in death by two sisters: Margaret “Muggie” Boss and Mary Walters, a brother, Rocque Lipford, a sister-in-law, Patsy Lipford, a brother-in-law, Bob Boss, a niece, Katie Lipford, and a nephew, Ryan Lipford. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, beginning at 5:00 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 4816, where funeral services celebrating Frank’s life will begin at 7:00 pm. Deacon Mike Stewart will officiate. Private interment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions are suggested to SMCC as the family will be establishing a scholarship fund in Frank and Kay’s name. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Frank J. Lipford

November 20, 1936 - January 10, 2026