Frank S Hornyak

Frank S. “Zeno” Hornyak, age 99, of Toledo, Ohio passed away, Monday February 28th at Heartland of Oregon. He was born to Paul and Bertha Hornyak on December 10, 1911 in Gary, Indiana, and as an infant, his family relocated to Toledo, Ohio. He attended St. Stephens school and was the youngest of four children. In his youth, Frank realized the value of hard work. His family struggled to make ends meet. In order to heat the house, Frank was assigned the task of retrieving fallen coal from the trains as they passed nearby. He would often swim across the Maumee River from the base of the Ash-Consaul Bridge to Riverside Park, once only making it halfway back before assistance was needed. If there was a baseball game he wanted to see in Cleveland or Detroit, he would simply hop a train. In 1934, Frank met Irene Kadlick and on July 23, 1935 they were married. They reared two children, Frances and Frank. In the early years of marriage, they resided in Toledos Birmingham neighborhood, known to many as “Hunky Town” and later moved to the Shoreland area. Frank was very proud of his Hungarian heritage. He was the founding and last surviving member of the ELOSA cluba group of men and their families who supported each other through tough times. Club “meetings” consisted of fun and food. Franks culinary skills specialized in and were limited to “Hungarian Turkey” (Szalonna Kenyer), always using fresh onions and green peppers he grew in the garden. He worked for Libbey Owens Ford for 39 years, was active in the union, and retired in 1973. In retirement, Frank kept busy maintaining his home, volunteering at the union hall, the German American Festival, and carving monkeys out of peach pits. He was an adept handyman that was able to fix or fabricate anything. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or let a neighbor borrow a tool. A devout Catholic, he rarely missed Mass, and often volunteered at St. Stephens church. Frank will certainly be missed, but as he is reunited with family and friends in heaven, we all take comfort knowing that he is finally at peace. Actually, he is probably busy repainting the pearly gates. Surviving is his wife of 75 years, Irene; grandchildren Cynthia (Michael) Vahle, Natalie LeGree, Donna (Tom) Rohlff, Tony (Elena) LeGree, Jason (Amy) LeGree, Denise Hernandez, Frank Hornyak, Theresa Blankenship, Jeri (Michael) McKenzie; 17 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; son, Frank Hornyak; daughter, Frances LeGree; grandson, Joseph LeGree; and siblings John Hornyak, Lola Hornyak, and Bertha Molnar. The Family would like to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Dr. Michael Neverauskas, and the caregivers at Heartland of Oregon. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Toledo Memorial Park, with interment immediately following. Online condolences may be shared below: