Dr. Frank M. D'Itri of Okemos, Michigan passed away June 28, 2012 in Lansing. Age 79 years. Frank was born Aril 25, 1933 in Flint, the son of Dominico D'Itri of Frosinone, Italy and Angelina Costanza of Patrica, Italy. He graduated from St. Michaels Catholic High School in 1951. Frank attended Michigan State University, where he was the cadet Colonel in the U.S. Air Force ROTC, graduating in 1955, with a Bachelors of Science in Zoology. That year he married Patricia Ann Ward of Saginaw County, Michigan. They have been married for 57 years.

After graduating from MSU, Frank was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force where he was trained as a B47 navigator/bombardier in the Strategic Air Command. After earning the rank of Captain, Frank was honorably discharged in 1960 and spent two years as a researcher at the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan. He then returned to MSU to pursue graduate studies in Analytical Chemistry in 1962. After completing his Ph.D. in 1968, Dr. D'Itri accepted a position on the MSU faculty in the Institute for Water Research and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.
 
Over the course of his esteemed academic career, Professor D'Itri authored numerous books and articles, taught and mentored countless students, and served on many committees and in professional societies. His research interests were many and varied, from acid rain and ground water contamination to aquatic nuisance species. Professor D'Itri retired from his academic position in 2000 to become the MSU Fulbright officer. Over a decade in that position, Dr. D'Itri worked tirelessly to help dozens of students and faculty receive grants to pursue international research opportunities. In 2010, he retired to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, generous father, and beloved grandfather who will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife, Dr. Patricia Ward D'Itri and their four children; Michael Payne D'Itri (Suzanne), Angela D'Itri Wylie (Michael), Patricia Ann D'Itri (Rob Latimer) and Julie Lynn D'Itri; four grandchildren, Jason Payne D'Itri, Jessica Catherine D'Itri, Melissa Kaitlyn Wylie and Sydney Morgan D'Itri Bollinger; and a sister, Mary Louise Chapel.

A private funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Kendall Funeral Home, 316 W. Belle Ave., St. Charles. Rev. Ernesto Mariona will officiated with burial in Brant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to The American Heart Association.