Frank Kalenits

Frank Kalenits

January 10th, 1928

November 25th, 2024

Frank Kalenits, 96, passed peacefully with his loving family by his side, Monday November 25th, 2024.

Frank was born January 10th, 1928 in Youngstown Ohio.  Son of Andrew and Helen (Yuhas) Kalenits.  He met the love of his life, Ann Marie Lawrence, when they were children, living in the Steel Street area of the west side in Youngstown. They married on April 19, 1952 and were married for 71 years until her passing on July 3, 2023. “I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places. “

Frank graduated from Chaney High School in 1946, where he was involved in theater as the play committee chairman and in the senior play cast. Frank worked summers in the steel mills when he was still in high school.

He was drafted into the army after high school and served at Camp Polk in Louisiana where he excelled at learning Morse code, quickly becoming an instructor. He also served at Fort Bragg. He then enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and was made Sergeant, working operations at the base landing strip at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, keeping track of all planes flying at the two Air Force bases.

After his military service, he was employed by Truscon Steel. He was especially proud of the work he did on the radio tower by Rt 680 in Youngstown Ohio. In 1970 he began his career at General Motors, Lordstown in the maintenance department, where he was proud to have been employed as the very first welder in the Stamping Plant.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing. And was an avid golfer, who enjoyed golfing with his son and later with his granddaughter, Anna.  He enjoyed his daily crossword puzzles throughout his long life, and his loved ones were always amazed at his vast knowledge of many subjects. Frank enjoyed daily, long walks through Mill Creek Park from his home on the West side. He was also a die-hard Cincinnati Bengals fan. Some of the most rousing times in the Kalenits family home was when his beloved Bengals were playing.

Ann and Frank went on to raise 5 children, Christine Kennedy of Tulsa, Judy (Bruce) Macgregor of Mineral Ridge, Mary Jo Mshar (Chris, deceased), Elizabeth Hood, Frank (Lorena) Kalenits of Las Vegas.

He will also be sadly missed by his brother, Don (JoAnn) Kalenits.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his 13 grandchildren, Heather Razo, Ryan Kennedy, Lara Nofire, Corey Macgregor, Kelly Donato, Kerry Macgregor, Andrew Macgregor, Anna Mshar, Hailey and Evan Hood, Cynthia, Vanessa and Matthew Kalenits. 6 great grandchildren, Ryley Johnson, Trey and Violet Donato, Remi Ramos, Eleanor Nofire and Cole Younger.

The Kalenits family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers and staff at Levy Gardens Assisted Living, CHC at The Ridge, and Southern Care Hospice Services for their loving support and care.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2024 at St. Brendan Catholic Parish, 2800 Oakwood Ave. Youngstown Ohio with military honors.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Arrangements are being handled by Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home in Youngstown.

“In our hearts, you will always stay loved and remembered every day. Your legacy lives on in the love and values you instilled in us.”

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