Obituary of Frank R. Santos

Frank R. Santos -CUYAHOGA FALLS Frank R. Santos, 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday evening, September 7, 2014, due to complications from a stroke he suffered on July 3. Born in Cuyahoga Falls on July 28, 1934 to the late Joseph & Rose (DeFago) Santos, Frank was a 1952 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, where he excelled as a baseball and basketball player. He was drafted by the New York Yankees but chose to serve his country as a radar technician in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He continued to follow his passion as a member of the Air Force traveling baseball team. After the war Frank worked in finance before returning to Cuyahoga Falls in 1973, where he & his wife Sandra purchased and continued to operate her family business, the McGowan-Reid Funeral Home. Frank continued the tradition of caring & trust for over 35 years, before retiring in 2007. During those years Frank was a very active member of the community and was heavily involved in local athletics, the Cuyahoga Falls Executive club, area churches, Kiwanis, as well as many other civic organizations and causes. Frank had a special love for food. Pasta dinners were common at the Santos house and were always enjoyed by many family and friends. Frank was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of the Silver Lake Country Club. Frank was a longtime member of the Italian-American Club. Above all, family was the most important part of Frank's life. In addition to his parents Frank was preceded in death by his grandson Frank Richard 'Rick' Santos II. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Sandra (Reid) of Cuyahoga Falls; his children: Scott (Carolyn) Santos of Cuyahoga Falls, and their children Daniel, Naomi, Bethany, Katie, & Brandon; Kevin (Pam) Santos also of Cuyahoga Falls, and their children Mandi, Samantha, Stephanie, & Sandra; Sheri (Mark) Fleishour of Newnan, GA, and their children Nicole, Blace, Shane, Michael, & Stephanie; 17 great- grandchildren; brother Joe (Janet) of Tallmadge & Bill (Pat) Santos, of Cuyahoga Falls, as well as many close friends that have been with him throughout his lifetime. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 4-9 pm, at the McGowan-Reid & Santos Funeral Home 247 Stow Ave. (at 3rd. St., one block north of Portage Trail in) Cuyahoga Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Thomas McCann on Thursday, 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church 1905 Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the Falls Cancer Club 2253 Third St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 or to the American Heart Association 3505 Embassy Parkway Akron, OH 44333. (McGowan-Reid & Santos, 330.928.1313, anthonyfh.com)