Frank
J. Zalar Jr., 88, of Mentor, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at his
home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Dec. 31, 1923, in Dunlo, Pa., came to Cleveland in 1943, where
he met his wife and moved to Mentor in 1963.
Frank worked for the Addressograph-Multigraph Company for 32 years, retiring
in 1982. He then went to work for The Lake County Water Department in
Willoughby, where he retired in 1993.
Very proud of his Slovenian heritage, Frank belonged to the Slovenska
Pristava Pensioners Club and frequently gathered there with friends to dance
polkas. He was an avid gardener, loved to travel, and enjoyed doing The
News-Herald crossword puzzle every day.
A devout Catholic and was a founding member of St. John Vianney Church in
Mentor, where he also volunteered, as well as being a member of the Knights
of Columbus Council 4801. Frank had a positive, friendly manner and a kind
word for everyone. He had a strong inner strength and a determination to
share his love of God with one and all. He lived life to the fullest and was
an inspiration to many people. He was deeply loved by his family and
friends.
He is survived by his children, Mary Jo (Frank) Iandoli of Clinton, Conn.,
and Amie (Craig) Thompson of Willoughby; grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael (fiancee,
Toni Cartiledge), and Karen Iandoli (fiance, Matthew Conners), Jeremy and
Kevin Thompson; niece, Gwynne (Larry) Hallock; nephews, Jim (Mary) Branom
and Mike (Tina) Branom, as well as his cherished companion of 21 years,
Branka Santha.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Angelina; brothers,
Bernard and William; sister, Amelia; and his parents, Frank, Sr. and Mary.
The funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at St. John
Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor. (Please meet at
church.)
The family will receive friends from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at
Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave.,
Mentor. Interment will take place at Mentor Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair
Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110-2602. Donations can also be made online at
hospicewr.org.
Online obituary at
www.brunners.com.
