Frank Fox Handler

Surrounded by the love of his wife and daughter, Frank “Fox” Handler passed into eternal rest while under hospice care on December 24,2022. Fox was born on June 6, 1950 in Monroe, MI to Nicholas Sr and Geraldine (Bugbee) Handler. Fox met and married the love of his life, Joann C. Pittelkow in Monroe. They were married August 22, 1981 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Franklin, Wisconsin. A week later another celebration was held in Monroe with a reception at the Knights of Columbus. Joann was the caregiver for Frank and his health for the last 22 years offering unconditional love and support. Fox always called her, “My Angel.” Fox attended Saint Mary Catholic Grade School and was a proud 1968 Monroe Catholic Central High School Graduate. He proudly served in the Air Force from 1968-1972 receiving the rank of Sergeant, primarily serving in Thailand. Upon Fox’s return home, he held various jobs working at Ven Dime Vending, being a bartender at Dino’s West until he became a rural mail carrier for the United States Post Office for 25 years, until taking a medical retirement. Fox primarily delivered mail at the Newport Post Office where he had a memory for his customer’s names and addresses. If you said a family’s last name today that he delivered to, he would still be able to tell you the family’s address. Fox also owned and operated a bartending service “Mixologists” for over 50 years. Fox delightfully served weddings, private events and parties, Grafton Inn, Ducks Unlimited events making sure that everyone had a great time. His right hand bartender was his best friend, Louie Poupard, that was by his side bartending throughout those years. Fox’s daughter, Danielle, came on board the last 14 years serving the family business and continuing the family tradition. Fox was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Monroe Council 1266 where he served as Past Grand Knight for two terms in 1991. He was the President of the Building Association, bartender for all the events at the Hall, member of the Goodfellows, Tootsie Roll Sales and so much more. He was most proud of being an active member supporting Pro-Life, being present to donate the Ultra Sounds to Heartbeat of Monroe. Fox served the highest ranking in the Knights being an active member of the 4th and 3rd degree. Fox was also a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars where he was a proud veteran and proud of his country. Fox was a man of strong faith. He proudly served his parish in Saint Mary Monroe as an usher, Eucharistic Minister, and a member of committees throughout the years. He will be most remembered for holding the door for all those who entered the 10:00 mass with a smile and an individualized warm greeting. Fox was a proud member of the Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship, living a sober life the last 22 and a half years. The many lives he changed through his companionship, mentorship, grace, and love impacted an unmeasurable amount of people to lead and live a sober lifestyle. He certainly made a difference in all of the lives he touched, living the 12 steps each day, one day at a time. His hobbies included golfing, bowling and playing softball with his Kegger brotherhood. He had a love for music and dancing, sharing a love for Elton John with his daughter, and the staple dance he shared with all the Alligator to “Taking Care of Business” that became a family tradition. Fox enjoyed attending Saint Mary Catholic Central athletic events. He will be remembered for his avid enthusiasm, loud cheers for his daughter’s events, and ringing the cowbell for every point. Fox was inducted into the SMCC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 as he was past president of the SMCC Athletic Booster Club where he volunteered countless hours and raised the highest amount of donations for the athletic programs during his tenure as President. Fox is survived by his loving wife for the past four decades Joann Handler of Monroe; daughter, Danielle (Butch Burns) Handler of Monroe. Sisters Patsy (Charles “Rocky”) Rochowiak, and Robin (Jeff) Miller of Monroe. Sisters-in law Kathy (Bob) Gadwood, Patty (Craig) Marmie, Kris (Bill) Wrucke. Brothers-in-law Ron (Cindy) Pittelkow and Peter (Linda) Pittelkow. Dearest cousins Pam Navarre Palmer of Monroe and Reverend Robert Bugbee of Ontario, Canada. Fox was a loving uncle and is survived by nieces and nephews both near and far. Additionally, Fox had many family members of the heart. Fox is survived by Bob and Roseanne Stefanski, Nate and Kristy McKibben, Josh and Patty Adkins, April Johnson-Rochowiak, Kylie (Jared) Ruiz, Carson Clark, and Jace Clark. Fox was known as Uncle Fox to many and will be remembered fondly by Noah, Nora, Niam, Archer and Tucker. Fox was preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael, brother Nicholas, Jr., brother-in-law Robert Pittelkow and niece Colleen Rochowiak. Fox will be missed and most remembered for the love he had for people. He wanted to make a difference and certainly impacted the Monroe Community. His legacy will continue through all the lives he has touched. Well done, good and faithful servant. Family and friends may visit from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2nd at Bacarella Funeral Home. At 7 p.m. Monroe Council 1266 Knights of Columbus will lead a Litany/Rosary service followed by Raisin River General Assembly 0488 Chalice Presentation. On Tuesday morning, Fox will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. David Burgard, assisted by Deacon Mike Stewart, and concelebrated by Fr. Mike Anagbogu. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery where military honors will be provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138. For anyone wanting to make a donation in memory of Fox, the family suggests supporting St. Mary Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus Building Association. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Frank Fox Handler

June 6, 1950 - December 24, 2022