Franklin "Frank" Joseph Desrochers

Franklin  "Frank" Joseph Desrochers passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 18, 2025, surrounded by his family and wrapped in love and care.

Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and raised in the small but lively town of Rudyard, Frank was the youngest of six siblings. His stories of Rudyard painted a vivid picture of 1950s small-town America—diners, soda fountains, school dances, and souped-up cars. He loved to recall playing croquet with his brothers, who delighted in sending his ball down the hill, and his sister Barb's kindness in letting him share her room when the boys' was too crowded.

Frank was the last of his siblings to depart, predeceased by Clem, Louis, Leonard, Bob, Barb, and baby Janet Marie, as well as his beloved parents, Bertha and Alfred Desrochers. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Kathleen (Cooney) Desrochers; his children, Amy (Sylvia) and Marc, and their spouses, David Byrne and April McCallion; grandchildren Avaline, Shepherd, and Julien; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him deeply.

While attending Flint Junior College, Frank was drafted in 1965 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he learned the technical and electronic skills that would define his career. While living in Flint, he met Kathleen, the love of his life, beginning a partnership filled with laughter, adventure, and enduring friendship. They married on April 15, 1966, and embarked on what Frank fondly called their "four-year honeymoon courtesy of the Navy," stationed in Pearl Harbor, where his lifelong love of sailing began.

After his service, Frank and Kathy settled in Flint, where he built a career in the emerging computer and electronics industry. An accomplished inventor and entrepreneur, he founded several small businesses, including Genesee Video and later A.S.T., which developed early handheld computers and inventory systems. He held multiple patents and was on the vanguard of many technologies—from hand scanners and GPS to wind power and personal computing.

Frank was known for his curiosity, generosity, and restless creativity. He was never one to sit still—if he was in your home, he was fixing something. His basement workshop was his happy place, filled with tools, cameras, and gadgets he loved to explain to anyone who'd listen. He loved music of all kinds—from The Beatles to ABBA to The Moody Blues—and shared his passion for sailing and science fiction with his children. His fascination with the cosmos and technology never waned; he followed the U.S. space program closely from boyhood through the final shuttle launch.

Frank's life was one of dedication to his Catholic faith, devotion to his family and community, and quiet generosity. He loved a good story, a hands-on project, and a cold bottle of Killian's Red. In his later years, even as Alzheimer's took much from him, his spirit of love and care remained ever-present.

He will be remembered for his warmth, his patience, and the twinkle in his eye when he spoke of the stars or the sea.

Friends may visit the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home Monday November 3rd from 4:00pm to 8:00pm with a Celebration of Life taking place at 5:30pm

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday November 4th at 11:00am at St. Daniel Catholic Church with visiting directly at the church after 10:30am.

Final resting place Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Daniel St. Vincent de Paul Conference and the Alzheimer's Association .

Please leave a memory or condolence on the online guestbook below.