Frank Joseph "BJ" Backitis Jr., 63, of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Zephyrhills.

BJ was born on September 10, 1962, in Farmingdale, New York, to the late Frank and Jeanne Backitis. An only child, he spent portions of his childhood in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Charleston, South Carolina. He later attended Clemson University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and a Master of Business Administration.

On April 4, 1992, BJ married Carla Lynn Bratton in Greenville, South Carolina. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Over the years, BJ lived in Charleston and Greenville, South Carolina, before making his home in Tampa and later Zephyrhills, Florida.

BJ enjoyed a successful career in the information technology industry, working as a business change management analyst for several companies. Most recently, he served as a Senior Manager with Price Waterhouse Coopers.

A man of many interests, BJ was an avid supporter of Liverpool Football Club and enjoyed watching the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Rays. He shared his love of real and model trains with his son, Kevin, creating treasured memories together. BJ was also a ham radio operator and enjoyed target shooting, collecting fountain pens, and playing the original Monopoly game-an enthusiasm proudly displayed by his six-foot Monopoly rug.

BJ was extremely proud to have recently become a Notary Public and had the honor of officiating several weddings. He had also completed training to serve as an election poll worker and was looking forward to fulfilling that dream during the upcoming midterm election.

Although BJ did not serve in the military, he was deeply patriotic and immensely proud of his father's service as a United States Marine. He made a point of shaking the hands of veterans and personally thanking them for their service whenever he had the opportunity.

BJ will be remembered for having one of the biggest hearts imaginable. A devoted animal lover, he was loyal to a fault and would do anything within his power to care for the people he loved, solve a problem, or lend a helping hand. His quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and love of making others laugh brought joy to those fortunate enough to know him.

BJ is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Carla Backitis of Zephyrhills; his son, Kevin Michael Backitis of Orlando, who is attending the University of Central Florida; his maternal aunt, Ida Desrosiers of Charleston; his sister-in-law, Jennifer Bratton, and her husband, Keith Waxelman, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and his father-in-law, Richard Bratton of Nokomis, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jeanne Backitis, his mother-in-law, Karen Bratton and his beloved Goldendoodle, Lexi.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a family gathering from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.