Frank James Macek, 76, of Nelson Township, passed away peacefully at home with his devoted wife of 54 years by his side, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, November 7, 2023, following a battle with cancer. He was born on April 17, 1947, in Cleveland, before moving with his family to Nelson Township, where he resided for the remainder of his life.
Frank proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, and upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Linda Macek (nee Vancura), on April 19, 1969. During his high school years, he worked for his in-laws, Ruth and Leroy Vancura, on their family farms in Nelson Township. After his marriage to Linda, Frank was employed by Morse Controls in Hudson and formed a lumber business called Macek Hardwoods. After many years working in the woods, Frank served Nelson Township as the Roads Supervisor before retiring.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and with friends at the Gables in Southington, hunting with his canine companion, “Sporty,” working outdoors, tinkering in his garage, putting together model cars, and showing off his cherished 1969 red Chevy Camaro at area car shows. Frank could fix anything and never gave up until he succeeded. He also loved taking occasional fishing trips with his family to Manitoulin Island, Canada, or dog sitting when the rest of his family went to Florida.
Survivors include his wife Linda, of Nelson Township; son Frank L. (Bruce Moore) Macek, of Strongsville; daughter, Renee (Keith) Knight, of Freedom Township; grandchildren, Todd Barton, of Columbus, and Alissa (Zach Gray) Barton, of Freedom Township; great grandchild, Miles Gray; sister-in-law, Paula Kerstetter, of Diamond, as well as many additional family members. Frank will also be missed by many of his long-time friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents.
At his request, a private funeral service was held for him on Thursday, November 11, 2023, at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231, and burial was at Harrington Cemetery, in Nelson Township, with full military honors.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Western Reserve, and the doctors and nurses at UH Portage County Medical Center & the UH ICU in Cleveland for their outstanding care and compassion. Any donations in Frank’s honor can be made to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/, PO Box 1981, Cleveland, OH 44106, or a charity of your choice. For online condolences go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.
