Frank Joseph Digesu Jr., age 68, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, in Huntsville, Alabama, where he had spent the majority of his life.
Visitation will be held at Laughlin Service Funeral Home on March 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. officiated by Deacon Rick DiGiorgio. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Frank was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1956 to Frank Joseph Digesu Sr. and Rosemary DiGiorgio Digesu. Frank’s football career began at the YMCA, where he first developed his skills and love for the game. He graduated from Grissom High School in 1974, where he made a name for himself as a talented and versatile football player. Frank played varsity football for all four years, excelling in offense, defense, and special teams. His efforts helped lead Grissom to the state championship game, earning him numerous accolades, including Grissom Most Valuable Player, All-City Team, All-State Team, and Huntsville Times Player of the Year. Frank’s exceptional talent earned him recruitment offers from several universities, and he accepted an athletic scholarship to play football at Auburn University. Known for his speed and skill, Frank remained a lifelong and devoted Auburn fan.
After earning a degree in accounting from Auburn, Frank discovered his next passion — cars. He opened a used car business, which he successfully ran for 34 years. Frank had a natural gift for helping people find the perfect car and took pride in repairing cars for anyone who needed a hand. His love for cars, especially Corvettes, was well-known and a source of joy throughout his life.
Frank cherished the countless memories spent with his family at their lake house on weekends. He instilled his deep love for the lake house in the rest of the family, ensuring that it remained a cherished gathering place for generations. His grandchildren brought immense joy to his life and he spent the last years cherishing every moment with them and marveling at their every move. He shared a special and close bond with his family. He rarely missed a trip to the Talladega races, creating memories that will be treasured forever.
Frank is survived by his loving mother, Rosemary; his brothers, Sam (sister-in-law, Sandy) and David; his sister, Diane; his son, Blake (daughter-in-law, Margaret); and his adored grandsons, Hunter and Harrison. He also leaves behind his nieces, Lauren, Rosemary, and Caroline; his nephews, Christopher, Matthew, Robert, Anthony, and Joseph; and several great-nieces and nephews who all held a special place in his heart. Frank was preceded in death by his father, Frank Sr. and brother-in-law, Bob Osbourn.
Frank will be remembered for his generous heart, his love for Auburn football, and his ability to make everyone feel like family. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.
War Eagle, Frank. You will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
