Frank E. Gulya
September 26, 1936 ~ September 29, 2024
Frank E. Gulya, age 88, of Wickliffe, OH passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 29, 2024 surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna, of 51 years. Cherished father of Mary Beth (Ed) Frye and Michael (Lisa) Gulya. Devoted grandfather of Jacob Gulya, Benjamin Gulya, and Haley Frye. Brother-in-law of Robert Friscic (Patty Skaggs). Dear uncle and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents John S. and Mary (Kovacs) Gulya; siblings, Albert C., John S., and Elizabeth “Betty” Roman; infant grandson, Joshua Gulya.
Frank graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland, class of ’54. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 –1958, spending a year at the Arctic Test Center, Ft. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Upon discharge, he was employed as a lineman for Cleveland Muny Light & Power. In 1963, he began his career of 27 years as a City of Cleveland Heights firefighter, retiring as a captain.
Into his early 80’s, Frank enjoyed traveling. Railroad trips with his mother and sister, then road trips throughout Mexico with his buddies, and on to family vacations and camping trips, local and across the USA. His fondness of wetting a line was passed on to his children and grandchildren. Two of his favorite fishing holes were Lake of the Woods, Ontario and Pymatuning Lake. In retirement, he took yearly vacations to Mexico with family and friends. All were charmed with the city of Puerto Vallarta and Frank’s alter-ego, Paco.
Hobbies included daily crossword puzzles (in ink), detailing and maintaining his cars, watching or listening to Cleveland sports, especially baseball, and spending time with family and friends. On a whim, Frank took the Mensa test and was accepted into their ranks. Not only intelligent and quick-witted, he was an all-around Mr. Fix It.
Frank, a first generation Hungarian/American, was an old-school guy, who firmly held on to his beliefs, convictions, and Frank-isms.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, 11 AM, at the Historic Church of St. Casimir, 8223 Sowinski Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103. (Parking and entrance located at the corner of E.82nd St. and Sowinski Ave.) www.stcasimir.com Private inurnment, All Souls Cemetery.
Family requests no flowers.
Online Obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com
Services
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, October 19, 2024 11:00 am
Historic Church of St. Casimir
8223 Sowinski Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44103
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Vaya con Dios mi amor. Tu esposa
So Sorry for your loss.Frank was a Great Captain, friend, husband and father. You will be missed by all.(Huh)
Kelly Adkins
A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved. 🙏 ✝️
Will miss you, rest in peace
So sorry for your loss.Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Donna and family
Our condolences to you and the family.
It was an honor to call Frank our friend.
He is at peace
Earl and Karin Bergeron