Dr. Frank Paone, Jr., President Emeritus of Detroit College of Business, died on November 26, 2024, at the age of 90.

Frank was born on February 5, 1934, and lived near Eastern Market in Detroit, Michigan, with his parents and sisters; surrounded by many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He graduated from St. Charles High School, where he excelled at sports.

Frank received his Bachelor of Science degree at Michigan State Normal College, his Master of Arts in Education at Eastern Michigan College, and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit.  He also attended the graduate schools of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.  He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Education from Fort Lauderdale University and   Honorary Doctor of Educational Leadership from Johnson and Wales University.

Frank taught high school in the Detroit, Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods school districts and was a lecturer in economics at Macomb Community College.  He was the all sports coach at St. John High School, assistant football and basketball coach at Harper Woods High School, and varsity track coach at Notre Dame.

In 1961, Frank joined the faculty of the Detroit Business Institute as Chairman of the Business Administration Department.  In 1962, when Detroit College of Business was formed, he served as academic dean and administrator.  The DCB board promoted him to executive vice president in 1968 and president in 1979.

During his 25-year tenure at Detroit College, President Paone's strategic vision propelled the institution to new heights.  His accomplishments include full academic accreditation, obtaining non-profit status, the dedication of a million-dollar library, and enrollment increases leading to the standing of fifth largest private college in Michigan.  Foremost, was his commitment to the college faculty, staff, alumni, and students.  He found numerous opportunities to award scholarships to first-time enrollees.  He supported the arts and humanities and collaborated with the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra and local cultural community.   President Paone's commitment to higher education is evident in the great career success stories of Detroit College graduates.  In 2000, Detroit College, Davenport College and Great Lakes College merged to form Davenport University.  Dean Paone's legacy lives on.

Frank served as board member, treasurer and elected Chairman of the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools.  The AICS Accrediting Commission regularly called on Frank to lead a team to initiate the accreditation process for a new institution or to review an institution for continued accreditation recognition.  He was invaluable when the Commission's standards needed to be updated.  Frank helped the Commission expand its membership overseas with accredited institutions in several European countries.

He held executive positions at Schiller International University in Heidelberg, Germany, and the International University of Geneva in Switzerland.  As a consultant for O/E Learning, Inc., a prominent Michigan training and education company, he facilitated articulation agreements, accreditation, and acquisitions.

Frank's passion for travel and adventure led him all over the world.   He relished stories of his trips to the Galapagos Islands, Africa, Bali, China, Patagonia, Hawaii, Australia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and numerous countries in Europe.  He enjoyed traveling to Catanzaro, Italy to visit his cousins.

Frank was loyal and sincere, and he cultivated lifelong relationships.  Frank's many cousins, uncles, aunts and friends have fond memories of holiday gatherings, vacations, annual hunting trips, backyard cookouts, watching Michigan football, deep sea fishing, dinner parties, and smoking cigars.  He held dear everlasting bonds with friends from the neighborhood, Amicus in Dearborn and Cinnamon Cove in Ft. Myers.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Paula Paone, and adored sister Mary Lou Paone and Rose and Peter Evarts.  He is survived by his beloved companion, Judith Lotz, and devoted mother of his children, Mary Jane Paone.  Frank was the loving dad of Gary and Leigh Paone, cherished grandfather of Joseph, Vincent, and Alexandria Paone, and dear uncle of Terry Garibaldi and Mary Bambridge.

Frank was a man of integrity, whose brilliance was matched with compassion, grace and humility.  He will be deeply missed by many.

Visitation Friday, January 24, from 3:00-8:00 pm.  Funeral service Saturday, January 25 at 11:30 am at the John N. Santeiu Funeral Home, 11139 Inkster Road, Garden City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to the Dearborn Symphony or the charity of the donor's choice.