Frank W. Spaich

Frank W. Spaich, age 86, of Lorain, died Thursday, December 25, 2003 at home following a lengthy illness. He was born on September 5, 1917 in Josephine, PA and has been a resident of Lorain most of his life. He was a graduate of Lorain High School and a veteran of the U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII. While with the Merchant Marines, he sailed for Gulf Oil, noteably to Venezuala and Brussells, Belguim. Prior to working at US Steel, he sailed the Great Lakes. He retired from the US Steel Company in Lorain after 31 years where he worked a rigger and was a member of the United Steel Workers Union. He was a member of the Lorain Auxiliary Police, worked in security at the former St. Joseph Hospital in Lorain and was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lorain. Known by many as "Tank" and "Pelon", he was a loving father and grandfather, and enjoyed hunting , fishing and gardening throughout his life. Survivors include his daughters, Nancy Curry of Lorain, Janice Swidecki of Lorain, Cathy Maher of Vermilion and Debbie Fadely of Clearwater, Florida; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Maryann Scardami of Lorain. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Theresa (nee Erdlich) Spaich, brothers, John Spaich, Pete Spaich and Bob Rhinehardt and three sisters, Ann, Catherine and Veronica. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 29, 2003 from 3pm until the time of service at 7pm at the Dombrowski-Volak-Riddle Funeral Home, 1939 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. The Reverend Dr. Linwood Chamberlain, pastor of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lorain, will officiate. Memorial contributions may be to New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.