Frank Mullally

 

After graduating St. Ignatius High School in 1953, Frank went on to study at the University of Chicago, where he received his Associates Degree in Fire Science. During that time Frank joined the Marine Corps in 1955 at 29 Palms, California and upon his return, began his long fire department career. 

 

During his lifetime, he served with three fire departments. Two of them he served concurrently for seventeen years working for the River Grove Volunteer Fire Department and the Chicago State Hospital Fire Department. In 1965 went on to serve as Captain of the Chicago Fire Department and retired as Battalion Chief in November of 2000. 

Frank loved serving the Chicago fire department as he said, "it was his heart of hearts". He had a love and passion for serving his community.

 

Frank and Valerie were married in October 1994 and blended their two families. Frank and his wife Valerie retired in Byron, Il in 2004. Frank was very active in the Church community with St. Mary's Catholic Church. He transferred his membership with the Knights of Columbus from Chicago and was very excited to continue his work as an honorary member as 4th Degree honor guard. Frank truly dedicated his life serving others. 

 

He loved to travel and had the fortunate opportunity to visit Antarctica, Scotland, Italy and many US states in between. In Italy he and Valerie renewed their vows and visited many Cathedrals. He was a history buff and loved learning about the Civil War, so he toured almost every civil war battlefield he could. 

 

Frank was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family, especially being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was such a loving and giving man and would do anything to take care of them. Frank had five children and Valerie had two. Together they had 13 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 2 more great-grandchildren on the way. 

 

Frank was predeceased by his brothers, James, John, Michael, Thomas Mullally, William and his stepson Norbert Holeman. He is survived by his wife Valerie, his sister Maureen, 5 children, Dennis Mullally, Linda (Ken) Miles, David Mullally, Carol (Jim) Parquette, Joanne (Tim) Pell, Step daughter Renee' Holeman, daughter in law Limor Holeman, 13 grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt) Parquette, Christopher (Christy) James, Danny Miles, Matt James, Meaghann Mullally mother Chris Mullally, Nancy Jo (Zacharia) Menich, Edward (Courtney) Scharlow, father Tom Scharlow, David Jr Mullally, Eva Holeman, Ethan Holeman, Ian Holeman, Avir Jr Holeman, 4 great grandchildren, Brianna Parquette, Genevieve Parquette, Ryder James, and Maggie Sanchez. 

 

Funeral mass will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Church, 220 E 2nd St, Byron, IL 61010 with Father Rich Rosiniski officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron, IL 61010. Burial will be at St. Mary Catholic Church in Byron. In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to the Passionist Monestary at 660 Busse Highway Park Ridge, IL 60068, Rockford Poor Clares at 2111 South Main Street, Rockford, IL 61102-3591, or the Knights of Columbus.