On March 1, Deacon Francis “Frank” Ralph Slapikas passed away with his loving family by his side at his home in Tuscaloosa. Deacon Slapikas was born March 16, 1938, in Camden, New Jersey. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Pennsylvania State University and went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, followed by an illustrious career with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His fidelity to his country was eclipsed only by his supreme devotion to his God, his children, and, most of all, his beloved Barbara, whom he met in San Diego in 1965 and married later that year. Their marriage, an epic love story and relentless friendship, spanned 56 years, four children, three grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Upon retirement from the FBI in 1989, Slapikas served his community as a private investigator for many years. As a lifelong Catholic, he was ordained as a deacon in 2000, and he served as director of child protection for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. He also served in prison ministry throughout his tenure as a deacon.

The deacon’s funeral Mass was held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tuscaloosa on March 7. Donations in the deacon’s honor may be sent to www.catholiccharitiesbhm.org/donate.html.