Frank C. Arias Jr.

Age 71, of Chicago, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

Frank spent many years of his life in the service of others. He was a Vietnam era U.S. Army veteran, stationed in Germany with the Army Air Defense Command. After the military he joined the Chicago Police Department and served the city nearly 30 years. His dedication and commitment earned him many commendations as a police officer while working in Districts across Chicago including the 22 ^nd , Shakespeare, Englewood, and Area 6 Gang Crimes North.

His generous and caring nature didn't stop after retirement. Although known for being a private person he continued to touch the lives of many, lending a helping hand to those in need, even strangers. He had many passions and he immersed himself in them. He loved to travel and was deeply moved by his experiences in the Israel, the Southwest United States, and many other locations.

He loved spending time with family and friends, sharing common interests and discussing good food and wine, military history, poetry and 70's rock music. He was not afraid of taking over someone's kitchen and sharing his knowledge of cooking as well.

In addition to caring for people he also loved and cared for animals. He supported many non-profit animal welfare organizations and adopted several pets from local shelters over the years.

Frank was a very patriotic and proud American, and he also had pride in his Mexican ancestry. As a Catholic, he felt a special connection to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis of Assisi, and his faith in God was important to him.

His enthusiasm for life, his humor and his generous and compassionate nature will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Amelia (née Ramos) Arias

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Angeline (Leticia Ramirez) Colella; his step-mother, Angeline (nee Ramon) Arias; his sister, Iris Arias-Reyes; and his brothers, David (Xin) Arias, Steve (Olga) Arias, and Ramon "Danny" Arias. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews as well as a number of treasured lifelong friends including former spouse, Christina Colella, with whom he had his daughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations to one of his favorite non-profit organizations would be greatly appreciated. He loved and supported both of the following and would have been grateful for any contribution to them:

PAWS Chicago

https://my.pawschicago.org/tribute-donations/Donate

BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding

https://braveheartsriding.org/donations/donate/

Services will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, in the O'Neil Funeral Home chapel 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL 60441 at 9:30am to St. Dennis Church, Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Interment immediately following Mass at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.