Frank Raymond Skoda

Frank R. Skoda August 9, 1935 – November 1, 2020 loving husband of Rebecca for 61 years and world’s greatest father to Regina, Renee (Ron), Angela. Proud grandfather of Alexis (Jared), Joey, and Mikey. Great-grandfather (POP) to Aaliyah and Alannah, the son of the late Joseph and Catherine, son-in-law of the late Garland and Mary Violet Shook. Treasured brother of John (Lillian), Roseanne (Jim), and the late Joseph (Carol), Mary (John) and Johanna. Loving uncle to his nieces and nephews.

          As a young man Frank moved to Cleveland seeking work after high school but his patriotism lead him to enlist and proudly serve in the United States Marine Corp. He emulated all that a Marine Corp soldier should. As a marine, you are trained to improve, adapt and overcome any obstacle in whatever situation you are needed, and that he did.

          On June 27, 1959 Frank married the love of his life in the presence of God and family. Together they raised their three girls in a loving home. His family was the center of his world. He loved, provided and protected all that he cherished, which was all of mankind.

          Frank worked in the trucking industry at Cleveland Freight Lines as well as at St. John’s Hospital part-time as a Security Guard. It was at St. John’s where he met his life-time friend and eventually son-in-law Michael Stanley. He had a profound impact on Michael as a young man struggling with his path in life. He gave his guidance, support and encouragement as he perused his career in the United States Navy.

          Frank also worked for and retired from The City of Cleveland Streets Division as a driver and later as a foreman where he continued mentoring his crew. Whether it was advice, a helping hand or acquiring a Class A CDL, he unselfishly gave his all. In his retirement, Frank followed his passion for the love of animals and began working at The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. He drove the tram and was the engineer for the train in Australian Adventure, for Frank it was the perfect place for comfort and relaxation.

          As a true Marine, Frank accepted his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease with honor, courage and commitment and saw it as a challenge. During this devastating disease, he has walked through his journey by the most amazing medical team and caregivers. An overwhelming and heart felt thank you to Dr. David Mansour and Dr. William Lewis of MetroHealth Medical Center and Dr. Reichers and Dr. Gandotra at the Veterans Administration Medical Center Parma for your outstanding care and respect. His loving and compassionate caregivers, Shauntay aka Josie and Miss Sally afforded him the opportunity to maintain dignity and independence. He was forever grateful for the care “his girls” gave especially his favorite, his wife Rebecca. A special Thank You to his Princess Aaliyah for always being his nurse, somehow you always got him to do what was needed.

          Frank had a love for family, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nascar, roses and animals. He was a strong and proud Marine but inside he was a gentle and kind humanitarian. During his shifts at the City of Cleveland, coworkers told us he bought food and coffee for the homeless in his area and fed them often. He never wanted praise or recognition and, in his illness, and inability to continue this mission he enlisted his cherished son-in-law Ron to continue caring for “his buddies under the bridge.”

          With heavy hearts and out of love, respect and the safety for our friends, families and coworkers in the mist of the COVID-19 pandemic Frank’s services will be private. Please honor this amazing man by saying a prayer, planting a rose bush, or by donation. All donations will be equally distributed to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and local animal shelters in Franks honor.

SEMPER FI

OORAH

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