Dealer, Importer Frank Stella Passes

Frank D. Stella, founder, chairman, and CEO of Detroit-based F.D. Stella Products Co., passed away Oct. 3 at age 91. In addition to launching the E&S dealership that bore his name, Stella also served as chairman and CEO of Stella Int’l., a New York consulting, joint-venture and importing firm.

Active in both industry and community efforts, Stella was a longtime member of the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association and held seats on the boards of numerous civic, business and educational organizations. Among numerous awards and honors for his commitment and dedication: the 1995 George W. Romney Award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism and the ’97 Detroit News Michiganian of the Year Award. He was married 53 years to his wife Martha and is survived by six children; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers.