Frank J. Schirack

Frank John
Schirack
90, of Canton, passed away on Oct. 25, 2014, in St. Joseph Care Center surrounded by his family. Frank was one of three children born in Canton, Ohio, to Clarence John Schirack and Edith Schwertner. He attended St. Peter's Elementary School, Lehman High School, University of Notre Dame, and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. He married Jane Moriah Gibbons on Sept. 2, 1950. Frank was called, appropriately enough, 'Friendly Frank' by many who were close to him. He fashioned his life around making sure his family and friends were taken care of and instilled a sense of caring through the many deeds he did. He loved to sail and spent many years at Atwood Lake with his family, especially with Ann and George Seanor. Also, he proudly celebrated his alma mater with tailgating at Notre Dame games. His 'Go Irish' spirit still permeates fall weekends and the tradition lives on. His circle of caring expanded outward to nature, and his love of watching and feeding the birds was a lifelong hobby. His dedication to the medical profession especially defined who he was and how he conducted his life. The Hippocratic oath asks that a physician 'will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.' This promise reflects the path that guided Frank's journey during the years he practiced medicine. Frank served in the Navy Medical Corp during the Korean conflict. Later, as an anesthesiologist, he was appointed to the Active Medical Staff of Mercy Hospital in 1955 and served as Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology for decades retiring in 1992. Frank chaired the Disaster Committee, was Co-Chairman of the Medical Library, and held the office of Secretary/Treasurer of the Timken Mercy Medical Staff. In 1998, he was elected into The Society of St. Luke of the Mercy Medical Center for his distinguished service to the hospital and compassionate spirit to his patients and the community. St. Luke is the patron saint of physicians who was known for his empathy, and Frank epitomized that virtue in his lifetime. Frank attributed his compassion and caring spirit to the way his parents raised him and especially to the example set by his father, Clarence John (C.J.) Schirack, a charter inductee into the Society of St. Luke. C.J.'s father, John A. Schirack was also a physician, and Frank, as third generation physician, passed on his legacy of caring and kindness to his family and friends. At the end of taking the Hippocratic oath, a physician implores, 'If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter.' In this, all who he has touched with his infectious smile and laughter will remember him with deepest affection.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Jane Gibbons Schirack. He is survived by his children: Karen Wurzel of Ajijic, Mexico, Dr. Edward (Maureen) Schirack of Canton, Denise (Kevin) Barry of Boston, Cindy (Mark) Samolczyk of Canton, Frank (Becky) Schirack, Jr. of Massillon, and Shelle (Rick) Suarez of Magnolia; grandchildren: Dr. Lindsay (Mike) Kahlenberg, Maggie Schirack, Emily (Evin) Harpur, Grace (Nick) Caley, Kate Samolczyk, Alec Samolczyk, Kevin Barry, Jr., Colleen Barry, Corrine Barry, Michelle Barry, Richard Suarez, Jr., Matthew Suarez, and Kayln and Anna Schirack; great-grandchild, Gavin Michael Kahlenberg; sister, Mary Ann Schirack Banahan; brother, Dr. John Schirack; sister, Mildred Rae Brady; and brother, Bert Stock (deceased).
The family invites friends to celebrate Frank's life at a mass of Christian burial at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Canton on Wednesday, Oct. 29th. at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive guests beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church. The Reverend Donald King will be officiating. Calling hours will be Tuesday (today), Oct. 28th. from 5-8 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at the St. Joseph Care Center for their exceptional care and service. Donations in Frank's name may be sent to the Frank and Jane Schirack Scholarship fund in care of Walsh University or the Archangel Fund at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Canton in which Frank and Jane were one of the founding families. Those wishing to share a fond memory or their condolences may sign the online guest book at:
www.dwilliamsfh.com
Williams Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
330-455-0387