Charles D. Franek

Charles “Chuck” Franek, age 86 of Auburn Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2024. He was born on September 16, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Edward J. Franek and Claire C. Malachowski. He is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth “Betty” A. (nee Kontur) Franek for 62 years. He is father to David (Sharon), Thomas (Rosalie), Daniel and Cynthia Franek. He shined most in his role as grandpa to Bridget LeMay (Gabriel), Josh Franek (Kristina), Jacob Franek, Maddy Franek, and Aaron Franek. His enjoyment continued as great grandpa to Bodhi LeMay, Amora LeMay, and Flora Rose Franek. His siblings include brothers, Paul (deceased) Franek (Cheryl), James (deceased) Franek (Rosemary), and sister Pam Biesiada (David). Charles graduated from St. Joseph High School in Cleveland and went on to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the Marines he visited Japan and was introduced to Judo. After many years of study, he became a black belt and shared his knowledge and skills by teaching classes to countless children and adults in the community. He was a proud member of IBEW local 38 Electricians Union for 65 years. Some of the family's favorite memories were of union picnics at Cedar Point and Christmas parties in downtown Cleveland. Charles and Betty took pride in building their own home in Auburn Township and establishing a small family farm raising livestock and vegetables. He was very mechanical and enjoyed teaching his children how to use hand tools and to fix anything that was broken. He enjoyed the Great Geauga County Fair with a particular fondness for the antique tractors and equipment. He also loved taking his children and grandchildren to the Livestock Auction in Middlefield. He left a lasting memory to all who visited his farm and swam in his pond. Family members remember picnics, and neighborhood kids remember endless summer days, swimming in the pond and camping out. He had a great sense of humor and earned nicknames of “Uncle Duck”, “Choo Choo Charlie” and “Super CD”. He enjoyed taking cruises with his wife, Betty, any trip that included a train ride, and had special memories of visits to Oregon to visit his son and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports and music, especially parades. Special memories include watching his granddaughter, Bridget, compete at several state track meets in Columbus, the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, the Track and Field World Championships in Berlin, Germany, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Family and friends are received at the St. John Funeral Home, Bainbridge Twp. on Wednesday, August 21 from 3 P.M – 7 P.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, August 22 at the Church of the Holy Angels, 18205 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, 44023 at 10 A.M. Burial at Shadyside Cemetery, Auburn Township. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve.