Obituary of Frank Anthony Dubravetz

For as long as anyone can remember, dad would say, "the good Lord won't take me, the devil doesn't want me so guess I'll have to stay here for awhile." But on April 11, 2012 the good Lord was ready for him, and Frank Anthony Dubravetz, 92, passed away peacefully, leaving his family with heavy hearts and many memories. Frank entered this world a happy soul on August 29, 1919 in Czechoslovakia to parents Mary Palaskievich and Vincent Joseph Dubravetz. As one of 11 children, Frank traveled with his family to the U.S. and grew up in Kenmore. Throughout his life, Frank had many sayings and stories and one often heard by his family was how he survived "two wars, two wives and 11 kids." As a young man, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in both World War II and the Korean War. After his service in the Navy, Frank worked at Diamond Crystal Salt Company, where he retired after 35 years. He then worked at Mayfair Golf Course, spending time tending to the grounds and perfecting his golf game. Frank was married to his first wife Anna (Skapsik) and after losing her to cancer, married Margaret (Federonich). They celebrated 48 happy years before she too lost a courageous battle with cancer. Through the years, they raised 10 children in a happy and loving home in North Hill, and Frank taught his children the value of hard work, honesty and integrity through his own personal example. As his children grew older, he told them he didn't care what they did for a living, he just wanted them to give 100 percent into what it was and do the best job they could do. Christian beliefs played a strong role in how he raised his family, and he made sacrifices and went without so his children could receive a Catholic education and could have the things they needed. His strong christian beliefs, generosity and easy-going nature are traits he bestowed in each of his children. Known lovingly as "Grandpa Dubie" to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Frank enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up and treating them to the sweeter side of life. From his "secret" chocolate candy bar stash, candy jars and never-ending ice cream supply to teaching them Slovak words, watching ball games and telling each of his granddaughters how pretty they were, he had a way of making each and every grandchild feel special. Friends and family of Frank know how welcome he made you feel when you visited the Dubravetz home on Kessel Avenue, and many days, nights and holidays were spent with both friends and family gathered in just about every room of the house. Upon leaving the North Hill home, most everyone heard Frank's classic phrase, "Y'all come back now, ya' hear?" While his family and friends are filled with many fond memories of Frank, he himself was a memory keeper of sorts. Every new year he'd fill in his wall calendar, marking anniversaries and dates of things long forgotten, such as when the first tomato appeared in his garden in 1985 or the date of a lost tooth or broken bone decades ago. His family enjoyed leafing through his calendar, amazed at the life events Frank had captured. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Mary; sisters, Katherine, Ethel, Molly, Phyllis, Marie and Helen; brothers, Billy, Rudy, Vincent and Albert; first wife Anna (Skapsik) and their first child; second wife Margaret (Federonich); daughter Patricia and granddaughter Christine. He is survived by children John (Carol) Dubravetz; Mike (Judy) Dubravetz; Carole (Steve) Summers; Thomas (Robin) Dubravetz; Frank (Suzanna) Dubravetz, Jr.; Kathy Dubravetz; David (Kit) Dubravetz ; Steve (Wendy) Dubravetz; Bryan (Michele) Dubravetz; 35 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many family and friends. Frank always had a twinkle in his eye, a toothpick in his mouth, candy in his pocket, a smile to brighten your day and love in his heart. He enjoyed the simple things in life, possessing a great appreciation for the small things that others often overlook. From the flowers in his yard to the vegetables he grew in his garden, he enjoyed nature and the beauty of the outdoors. There are not many people like him in this world, and when he passed away, a part of each of us went with him. Frank used to say that he wasn't a rich man but had a rich life, but we are the rich ones to have known and loved him. He left his mark in this world through the love he gave his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he will forever be missed. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kathy Dubravetz and Carole and Steve Summers for the love and care you gave dad over the last eight years. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 20 at 12 p.m. (noon) at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave. in Akron. Interment with military honors will follow at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. Friends and family may call Thursday, April 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. (Anthony Funeral Homes, Akron, 330-724-1281, www.anthonyfh.com)