Frank A. Stumbo

Ontario - Tribune-Courier publisher Frank A. Stumbo passed away at Elmcroft of Ontario assisted living facility Feb. 20. He was 92.

Frank was born on May 14, 1925, to Rose and Francesco Stumbo in Crestline, Ohio. He married Betty Elaine Honeberger on Sept. 4, 1948, and enjoyed 69 years with his wife, best friend and business partner until her death on Nov. 3, 2017.

A Navy veteran of WWII, Frank served in the Pacific theater from 1943 to 1945. He was called back to service in 1950 during the Korean conflict. During the 1950s and 1960s he worked as an insurance underwriter and personnel manager at Lumbermen's Mutual Insurance Company until his decision to go into newspaper publishing full-time in 1967.

Frank was instrumental in forming the village of Ontario in 1958 and he, along with several of his contemporaries, worked tirelessly to establish a village government and local police department. Frank was elected Ontario's first mayor that year and, at age 33, was one of the youngest mayor in the state. After his tenure as mayor he remained in village government, serving on council and also as clerk-treasurer. He also served many years on the Richland County Transit Board.

Seeing the need for Ontario to have its own voice in community affairs, Frank and Betty started the Ontario Tribune, publishing the first edition on Oct. 12, 1961. They went on to establish the Lexington Courier in 1967, and merged the two weekly newspapers to form the Tribune-Courier in 1969. In 1980 they began publishing the Madison Tribune, covering news in Madison, Mifflin and Washington townships, finally merging it with the Tribune-Courier in 1995.

Frank was a talented artist and loved woodworking and carving. He made many pieces for friends and family over the years.

Frank is survived by sons Richard Stumbo of Virginia, Marc Stumbo and partner Lauri Austin of New Jersey, grandson Ian Stumbo of Mansfield, many nieces and nephews, and friends and caregivers Cheryl Fink and Dave and Becky Metzger. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, brothers James Stumbo, Joseph Stumbo and Nicodemus (Nick) Stumbo, and sisters Mary Ganni and Anna Lako.

A private memorial service will be held. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the Stumbo family.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Journal on Feb. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Stumbo

Sponsored by Wappner Funeral Directors & Crematory - Ontario.

8 Entries

March 6, 2018

Frank and Betty was good to know !! May to gather they rest In peace and May God Bless them and their Family's and Friends And Ontiaro++ the dear people that work at their paper ❤. Cecil and Pat Flynn and FAMiLYS

Joyce (Ziegler) Webb

February 28, 2018

I remember Mr. Stumbo from the beginning of Ontario. He and my father, Harry Ziegler, were the founding fathers of our beautiful city. They fought hard and usually stuck together in their endeavor to make it what it is today. I remember the many council meetings that my mother and I attended and served the council members and officers their coffee. Mr. Stumbo was a man of his word. He listened when spoken to and had answers to the many questions of the public. He was a great man.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Rick and all the family of Frank and Betty.

Kevin McMahon

February 26, 2018

Frank was not a politician ,, He was a people person and wanted what was the best for people around him .. In the 60's and 70's I wore a blue sweatshirt that said Keep Ontario United ... and he did ,, he had pride ...... Kevin McMahon

Rick Hannon

February 25, 2018

Marc, I'm very sorry for your loss. I still think fondly of my short stint at the TC many years ago, and seeing you and your dad work side by side was very educational for me. Take care.

Janie Thornton

February 25, 2018

To the family of Frank and Betty Stumbo.So sorry to hear of their passing.Thoughts and prayers from all of us.They were both such amazing people.Anytime you would see them they always took the time to stop and talk.They will be greatly missed by all who knew them.The Walker Family,Alice Walker,Bob & Mattie Walker,Janie &Tad
Thornton,Vicki & Vaughn Ford

Frank & Betty April, 2016

Deb Chilcote

February 25, 2018

Words are hard to come by. I grew up two doors down the street, and have known Frank & Betty my whole life. I cherish many memories of them, and to know that they are both gone is hard to believe. Even after moving to Florida, Ron and I have always made a point to go visit them when we would come back home every couple of years. A big hug to the family . You're in our thoughts.

Donna Richardson

February 23, 2018

It was a joy to get to know you Frank and the Mansfields military show will never be the same without you. We had become good friends over the years and I truly enjoyed your company, all your stories and how you would sneak off to get your cinnamon bun. You were an inspiration to all the people you touched. What an amazing life you and Betty have had together. You will sincerely be missed by your family, by me, Scooby and everyone. I want to reach out to Rick and the rest of the family to let you all know that you have our deepest sympathy. May time heal your heart and memories comfort your soul

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