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Frank Franks Obituary
Frank Thomas Franks was born April 11, 1917. He passed away peacefully at his home and went to be with his Heavenly Father Friday, December 28, 2007.
Frank lived his entire life in Akron, Ohio where he attended St. Mary's and South High Schools, and Hammel Business College. He retired from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company after nearly forty years service, the majority of which was spent as a Supervisor in the Central Warehouse. He was a member of St. Sebastian Church for many years and as a young man he was a member of the Jaycees, for which he served on many committees and was named Man of the Month for work on Christmas activities for underprivileged children. He enjoyed golfing at the Firestone Country Club, bowling, reading, old western movies, gardening, bingo, friendly card games, walking at Summit Mall with his beloved wife and many friends and daily shopping trips to Acme #1. Frank was a very sociable man who was well-loved by everyone who knew him. He enjoyed his wonderful neighbors and many friends. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He taught us many things; most of all, he taught us love.
Frank was preceded in death by his father and mother, Thomas and Maria Franks; brother, Fred; and granddaughter, Debra Antal. He was devoted to and is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Armanette (Armie Andonian); son, Ronald (Cheryle), son Jeffery (Amy); daughter, Janice Antal; son-in-law, James Antal; grandchildren, Ronald (Andrea), Frank (Erica), Sharon Strobach (Russell), Susan Shafer (Scott), Kaley and Lydia Franks; great-grandchildren, Brennan, Emily, Claire Strobach; Madeline, Gabrielle, Collin Franks; and Logan, Ryan Shafer; as well as brother and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and longtime friends who meant so much to him and by whom he will be missed.
The family is grateful to Dr. Waleed Nemer and Dr. Charles Peter for their care through the years and Dr. Kevin Silver and the Summa CCU staff during recent weeks.
A Memorial Service will be held at Ciriello & Carr Fairlawn Chapel, 39 South Miller Rd., at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Fr. Norm Douglas officiating. The family will gather to receive friends at 9:30, prior to the service. Private inurnment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Frank contributed regularly to numerous charities. In Lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, Society for the Blind, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Franks
Ann Evans
December 24, 2023
Jeff thinking good thoughts about your life with you Dad. Memories are everything ...
Corinne Housley
July 14, 2008
Dear Jeff, Amy, and Family,
I am just so saddened to know about the death of Mr. Franks. He was always so kind to everyone he met. I remember Jeff bringing us, his friends, over to eat lunch at his parents house when we were in highschool. Mr. and Mrs Franks were always so very welcoming to us. Please know that I am always thinking about you all.
Corinne Housley
Frank's Team
Janice Franks Antal
February 17, 2008
Dad was a happy man, and a grateful man. He enjoyed and was grateful for ordinary, everyday pleasures, a dish of butter pecan ice cream, a root beer float, or one of his favorite “delicacies” that we never shared with him once we were old enough to know better. His greatest pleasure was found in the happiness of those he loved, Mom, his family and friends. Many times Dad told me “Hang onto your friends”. Dad had many and hung onto them until they lived only in his heart and memory. He was thankful for the good times shared with them, for his length of years and his health, freedom, home, faith, work and retirement years, sunny days when he could drive - and that dish of butter pecan ice cream. Most of all he was thankful for 67 plus years with the woman he loved.
Dad’s generous love, joy in living, and gratitude for the people in his life and all he was given are a beautiful legacy, priceless and timeless.
I miss Dad’s voice, his smile, and his hugs. I miss his advice which often came in the form of a maxim. Dad had a maxim for every circumstance. We referred to these and some of his favorite expressions as “Frankisms“. They come to mind daily as I work through situations without him.
A place for everything and everything in it’s place
Take care of your tools and your tools will take care of you
He who sleeps late has to trot all day ? Takes two to tango
A promise made is a debt unpaid
Waste not; want not
Good things come to him who waits
Don’t judge others until you walk in their shoes
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today are only a few. Dad left us many “words to live by”. The words that matter most, “I love you”, were spoken often and were our final words each other. Dad never put off saying these words and neither did we.
Dad’s love was expressed not only in words but in many ways, large and small. It was shown in his concern and caring for his mother during her 48 years of widowhood, for uncle Jack during his struggle with multiple sclerosis, for uncle Howard in his elderly years as a widower, and always for Mom in good times and difficult times of illness. It was shown with chestnuts and noodles shipped to grandchildren out of state, flowers and candy brought to me at work, and an endless supply of any item he knew any of us enjoyed or could use.
The sadness of missing Dad is eased only by overwhelming gratitude for his life. I am thankful for the number of days he was given and the love he received - gifts to him. I am thankful for the man he was, the love he gave, and the lessons he taught - gifts to those who love him. To have a truly good man as your Dad is a great blessing; to have him for so many years is another. To have so many wonderful memories is a blessing to treasure and share.
One of those memories is Dad’s 90th birthday celebration. We bought tee shirts with Franks 90 in big letters on the back. Each generation wore a different color shirt representing 1st String, 2nd String, and 3rd String. The shirt we gave Dad was yellow, his favorite color, with Coach on the front. How appropriate for the man who coached us from the day we were born until the day of his death.
Dad was the best kind of coach, one who loved the game and showed you how to play, made sure everyone knew they counted, never raised his voice or used strong language, let you call the plays, cheered for you even when you were losing, encouraged you to do your best, let you know your best was good enough, and didn’t throw you off the team when you messed up.
Thanks, Coach!!!
Susan Shafer
February 6, 2008
I have been very fortunate to have had 2 Great Grandmothers into my late teens and to be 40 and still have a set of Grandparents. Since moving from Ohio 10 years ago I have missed more than anyone my grandparents and have always made a priority of spending time with them on visits home. Unfortunately living 8 hours away for the past 6 years has made it difficult but I made good use of the phone. The greatest joy to me is that my children have had a deep love for their Great Grandparents and that they will hopefully have long memories. They love it when I tell them Grandpa/Grandma said kiss the dollies. As for me my memories are of an Easter egg in a straw purse, valentines day candies, the new years eve noise makers/hats from the party they attended, egg noodles from Marc's, and of couse the Shish Kebabs. His dismay when I caught the bouquet at Karens wedding and always a wish that he would be alive to dance with me at my wedding.
I will always cherish the words he sang - Susie Susie with my heart I'm choosey.
Fred Barnett
January 11, 2008
Jeff...... Memories,that's all we have left now. But growing up together there are so many. Going to the Indians game. Your father making sure the peppers were cooked just right at the family picnics. Heckling us during the sofball games. He even took me to Little League games on Saturdays my dad worked. Memories are all we have left. But they will live on forever as long as we do. I know mine will.
Ronald Franks
January 8, 2008
Frank T. Franks
My Dad was a big fan of the Cleveland professional teams but his biggest love was the Notre Dame fighting Irish football team. You can bet he's going to be asking God to give them some help in the upcoming football season. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; but maybe the role he served best was as a son to his mother, Mary. He either called or stopped to see her everyday to check on her and get her groceries or whatever was needed. In earlier years at the hotal which she managed in south Akron, he did the bulk of the maintenance work in addition to his full time job at Firestone. In later years, he took loving care of his wife, Armanette through her many surgeries and illnesses.
There are many words that can describe Frank; loving, caring, family-man, religious and devoted to his family. Everyone knows that Frank was a great Acme shopper. He knew all the prices and was known for his stockpiles; most notably, 100+ cans of chicen noodle soup and of course his well known stock of windshield washer fluid. His son-in-law, Jim Antal used to joke that when Acme ran out of a product, they could possibly find it at Frank's house.
Dad was a soccer "Mom" before the term became popular. We only had one car, and he did a lot of driving to sport and majorette practices and events and taking his kids to school.
Two memorable birthdays of his were his 75th and 90th. At his 75th a belly dancer showed up and his son Jeff who was living in Florida popped out of a large box to surprise him. His wife said that the 90th party was one of the happiest days of his life with his family gathered around. At that party he told us many interesting stories of his past that his family will never forget. He was a walking historian for south Akron.
Some of the happiest times of Frank's life were spent at Firestone Country club with his wife for their weekly golf game and dinner. He was not a great golfer but he enjoyed the game. He did shoot a round of 38 one time and made a putt once at over a 100 feet. We heard about that putt for a long time.
Another of Frank's talents was that he was a great cook. He made a variety of dishes and was noted for his cherry pie. His Italian daughrer-in-law said that he made the best lasagna ever.
He was also an avid gardner. He could often be found on his knees pulling weeks. His neighbors always remarked on the beauty of his yard and how much work he put into it especailly at his age.
Frank spent 90 wonderful years on this earth.
Douglas Morrison
January 4, 2008
Jeff and family,
My prayers and sympathy go out to you all during this time of mourning. May God bless and keep you during this time of sorrow.
Diana Chlebek
January 4, 2008
To Jeff, Amy and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. At this sad time my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bennie Robinson
January 3, 2008
Dear Jeff and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I'm very sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Jeffrey Alan Franks
January 2, 2008
My Dad's Wonderful Life (from today's service)
My dad had a wonderful life. He had a long, rich life, surrounded by loving family and friends. Growing up in South Akron with his father Tofik, mother Maria, and his brother Fred, dad was part of a unique community of hard-working individuals who helped shape the world we live in today. Dad grew up in simpler times and told wonderful stories of boyhood in a bustling downtown Akron, with streetcars and horse-drawn carts, street vendors and early automobiles. He told of his Model A and Model T Fords, of life before and after World War II.
Dad was an industrious, hard working man; a “Get It Done” kind of guy. No grass ever grew under dad’s feet. To a large extent his sense of purpose and well-being were directly proportionate to what tasks lay before him on any given day. He organized his tasks by making lists and checking things off as he accomplished them. Dad told of his many odd jobs before the War and of how he went to see the mayor for assistance in finding a good job. The mayor contacted someone at Firestone and dad was hired. There he spent 39 years and 8 months, mostly as a supervisor, conscientiously fulfilling his part of Akron’s industrial effort both during and after the War.
Upon retirement dad arose early each morning to join his coffee buddies at the Five-Points ACME Click, which he referred to as his “Click Country Club”. When the Click closed, dad moved his daily routine to ACME #1, where he continued to shop regularly. Dad looked forward to his trips to the ACME, where he was on a first name basis with many of its employees and where he hoped to purchase the winning lottery ticket that would provide for all of the people that he loved so dearly. In the end dad won the greatest prize of all by enjoying the longest retirement of all his friends and associates. This was more precious and priceless than any lottery jackpot.
Dad loved golf, bingo, bowling, dancing, card games, travelling, cooking, dining out, taking care of his home and yard, and spending time with family and friends. Hosting family shish kabobs on Memorial and Labor Days was one of his favorite traditions. Dad loved television. He enjoyed western films, comedies, and watching Cleveland, Ohio State and Notre Dame sporting events. Before his eyes failed, dad loved to read a good western or mystery.
Dad was a great communicator. He had no difficulty speaking his mind or expressing his emotion. Dad told us he loved us each and every time he saw or spoke with us on the phone. He was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, neighbor, and friend. Dad’s work and life ethics tell us all to go on with our lives, take care of the broken things around us, make sure the pantry is full, and celebrate his life as he celebrated all of ours. We will miss him very, very much and on those days when we feel a great void in our lives, let us recall the fullness of dad’s life, the depth of his love, and how greatly fortunate we were to have him with us all of these years.
Good bye dad. . . we will miss you until we see you again . . .
Shirley Petracca
January 2, 2008
Dear Jan and Family, What a beautiful transition, Being with his loving family for Christmas, then being recived by Our Lord. It doesn't get any better than that! We have shared so many of life's experiences together. You can always call me when you feel the need. Love You Shirley
Vernel Solomon
January 2, 2008
Dear Franks family:
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of great times as you celebrate a life well lived. Frank was a pleasure to work with at Firestone he will be greatly missed, God Bless!
Janine Pavkov
January 2, 2008
Dear Jeff and Family,
My heart and sympathy go out to you for the loss of your father. As I read the words describing his life, he seemed like a wonderful man-generous in love and spirit. As much as I am sure you will miss him, I am sure your memories of him and the love that you shared will bring you peace in the days and nights to come. May you take comfort in this as well as the love and support of family and friends.
In Sympathy,
Janine Pavkov
Roger Durbin
January 2, 2008
My condolences, and I'm thinking of you at this time.
Renee, Mike, Shayna, Revawn Wilson
January 2, 2008
Jeff, Amy and Family.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4.
Joy Ramos
January 2, 2008
Dear Jeff,
Please accept my sympathies on the loss of your dad.I am sure he will be deeply missed by you and all of your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness.
Tony Merlitti
January 1, 2008
Janice, very sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you and your family the strength to carry on. Your old friend and classmate, Tony
Anita Martin
January 1, 2008
Dear Aunt Armie and Family,
I'm very sorry for the loss of Uncle Frank. Our families growing up together within a couple of blocks of each other, leave me with so many wonderful memories. I will miss Uncle Frank very much. Love, Anita
Denny Salester Jr.
January 1, 2008
Dearest Uncle Johnathan, Sandy, Sarah and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Anything you need, feel free to call.
Love,
Denny
Karen Plummer
December 31, 2007
Dear Jeff and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the death of your dad. We all accept that death is just a part of life, but it's never easy to deal with the death of a loved one. Focus on the good memories, celebrate his life, and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kristin leidtke
December 31, 2007
Dear Aunt Armie and Family, I'm very sorry for the loss of Uncle Frank. I will miss him so very much. Love Krissy
Agnes Barnett
December 31, 2007
dear Armie and family; Frank was avery much loved brother in law. I was a very young girl when you married and he looked after me like
an older brother. My heart aches for you all. Love Aggie
Ann Evans
December 31, 2007
Jeff:
I was sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I know he was very proud of you and your accomplishments. I hope that is a comfort to you now.
Robert Zarembka
December 31, 2007
Dear Armanette & Family,
You have our most sincere sympathy on the passing of Frank; we could not ask for a nicer neighbor.
Love, Marcia & Bob
Teri Mackey
December 31, 2007
Dear Jeff and family,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
del williams
December 31, 2007
My thoughts go with you.
Nancy Stokes
December 31, 2007
My most sincere condolences for your loss of a wonderful father.
Marlene Glennon
December 31, 2007
Jeff,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He sounded like an excellent man. Please give my condolences to your family.
Take care,
Marlene
Kathy Fajt
December 31, 2007
Dear Janice,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Carolyn Stevens
December 31, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Franks and your family. Mr. Franks was not only a patient, he was a friend. He always made sure he asked about my girls when he came to get his contact lens cleaned. He will be truly missed by many. Much love, Carolyn Stevens
Cynthia Pushpak
December 30, 2007
May God, friends and family help you during this time of grief.
May your memories serve as comfort in the days ahead.
Cynthia, George and Stephen Pushpak
Lori Fielding
December 30, 2007
Dear Jeff, Amy & Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Joe & Lori Fielding
Sandra & Stan Moroski (Antal)
December 30, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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