Frank P. Vitek

FRANK P. VITEK age 90, beloved husband for 68 years of Jean  (nee Campbell); loving father of Richard B. (companion Linda Lindsay), Jenni S. Vitek (partner Karen Massoni), and Melissa A. Matoney (husband Michael); devoted grandfather of Colin and Devin Cargile, Kristen Vitek, Kayle Johnson (husband Ben) and special Grandpa V to Ashley Ramsak Wolfe and Andrew Ramsak; cherished son of the late James W. and Anna (nee Tomon) Vitek; dearest brother of the late Elmer (wife Shirley, deceased), Rita Koehler (husband Jack, deceased), James (wife Ruth, deceased), and Mary Jean Lamberton (husband Don); dear uncle, great-uncle, and friend of many.

Frank was born on September 27, 1929 and passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on August 25, 2020. He grew up on his family’s working fruit and vegetable farm in South Euclid. Their family was one of the founding members of St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church where Frank was an altar boy. He played football for Brush High School and graduated in 1948. He was also #1 in his class as an operating engineer and went on to serve his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked on the front lines digging trenches ahead of the tanks. Frank moved to Mayfield Village in 1955 where he and his wife Jean raised their 3 children. They were very devoted to their faith. Frank served as an usher while they were parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi and later at St. Noel where they have remained for over 30 years.  Both he and Jean were RCIA sponsors and helped with the funeral and wedding masses. Frank truly loved music and traveled around Cleveland to listen to the Chardon Polka Band. He was a gifted drummer and musician that had a bagpipe band career for over 40 years.  He played internationally and was an award-winning tenor drummer. Frank loved his backyard and made his home a beautiful sanctuary of plants and bird houses where he and Jean would spend many evenings. He was a die-hard Browns fan.  Frank will be remembered most as a man of quiet faith who was gentle and kind. He will be forever missed.

Contributions may be made in memory of Frank to New Directions 30800 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike, OH 44124 http://newdirections.co/give/ or Hospice of the Western Reserve P.O. Box 72101 Cleveland, OH 44192 https://donate.hospicewr.org/give/209048/#!/donation/checkout.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, August 28, 2020 at St. Noel Catholic Church 35200 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 at 10 AM (Please Meet At Church).  Burial at a later date with Military Honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Frank at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE RD. (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) THURSDAY 3-7 PM.