On March 1, Deacon Francis “Frank” Ralph Slapikas passed away with loving family by his side at his home in Tuscaloosa. He was 83.

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 United States Marine Corps. Following his service to the country, he had an illustrious career with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His fidelity to his country was eclipsed only by his supreme devotion to God, his children, and, most of all, his beloved Barbara, whom he met in San Diego in1965 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 started his service to the community as a private investigator, which he continued for many years. As a lifelong Catholic, he was ordained as a deacon in 2000, and he served the Bishop of Birmingham as director of child protection for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.

The deacon also served in prison ministry throughout his tenure as a deacon.

Deacon’s loved ones will remember him for always putting people first, including his time as a volunteer coach for youth athletics, which left a lasting imprint on the lives of countless children. He lived his life with kindness, humility, patience, simplicity, and sacrifice.

Deacon Slapikas leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara Slapikas (Browning) of Tuscaloosa, and his children, Frank Slapikas, Jr., Shereen Zaidan, Heath Slapikas, and Sister Paris.

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 https://www.catholiccharitiesbhm.org/donate.html.