Mantua – In this season of giving thanks, Frank Iannaggi, owner of the G & C Bakery in Mantua, is giving thanks for his wife, his five daughters, and his gorgeous grandchildren; the newest of whom was born this month. If you know Frank, or you’ve ever had the occasion to talk with him, you’ve most likely never heard him utter a complaint. What stands out most about him is his pride in his family, his positive outlook and his upbeat personality.
However, the grueling schedule of raising a family, serving as an assistant coach, and successfully running a bakery for 37 years, all while undergoing years of dialysis, have taken their toll on the characteristically vibrant local business owner. Due to medical issues, Frank’s family-run business has been closed since September. While the bakery was originally scheduled to reopen in October, due to unforeseen complications, it will remain closed, likely for several more months, as Frank and his family focus on his recovery.
Grover Vaught, Frank’s fellow 1976 CHS graduate who served as co-captain of the Red Devils football team with him, feels blessed and lucky to count Frank as a long-time friend. “Frank is an extremely private person,” Vaught explains, “He’s really been humbled by this situation. He doesn’t like to be the center of attention.” In spite of this, Iannaggi and his family have allowed Vaught, through Crestwood’s All-Sports Boosters, to hold a Walkathon on Saturday, November 30th in his honor.
The Walkathon will be held at the Crestwood High School track from 12 noon to 9 pm. It will give students, wrestlers Frank has coached, and those in the community who know him, the opportunity to show their support while raising much-needed funds. “He’s such a wise and caring guy — he’s really an inspiration to everyone who knows him.”
If this local family’s plight has touched you, or you’ve just been missing Frank’s freshly baked Italian bread, pizza, pepperoni rolls, and the wonderful cannoli from Mantua’s G & C Bakery, you can help. Individuals or groups may attend the Walkathon at any time during the event to walk laps in support of Frank, or ‘Coach I’, as students refer to him. Everyone is encouraged to solicit sponsorships for each lap walked, although lump sum donations in any amount will be accepted as well. “Every little bit counts,” reminds Vaught. “We’d like to do what we can to help keep Frank’s recovery as stress-free as possible.”
If you can’t make the event, but would like to help, donations can be made at Home Savings Bank. In addition, donations or well wishes can be sent to P.O. Box 208, Hiram, Ohio 44234. Checks should be made payable to Crestwood All-Sports Boosters. For more information, contact Grover Vaught at groverc@windstream.net.
