Dr. Frank E. Gradisek, 92, Lorain Optometrist

He was born in Lorain on February 18, 1916 and was a lifelong resident. Frank was an honor graduate of the Lorain High School class of 1934A and has been active in class reunion activities throughout the years.

Frank graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry where he received his Doctor of Optometry degree Cum Laude in 1938. He was a member of the Tomb and Key Honorary Fraternity and the National Beta Sigma Kappa Honorary Society.

He went into private practice in Lorain and served in that capacity for 45 years. Dr. Gradisek retired from the practice in 1983. The practice continues under the direction of his son Dr. Robert Gradisek and is now in its 70th year.

His military career spanned 3 � years in the US Army Medical Corps during World War II. While stationed in Crile General Hospital in Parma Heights, he treated the returning wounded from overseas. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Frank was past president of the Lorain County Optometric Society and a member of the Ohio State and National Associations for over 60 years.

Dr. Gradisek was on the board of directors of First Federal Savings of Lorain since 1948 retiring in 1999. He was also a board member of the Park Mutual Fund for 10 years. He held several offices including president of the Lorain Business Men’s Association in the 1950’s. He was a member for many years of the Lorain Slovenian Club and also Buckeye Lodge #60.

An accomplished musician, he played piano and organ and played in several bands in his younger days. An active member of the Catholic Church of St. Peter, he served as co-chairman of the parish blood bank and was active on the finance committee for several years.

He was deeply loved by his family, was a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather, lived an exemplary life and was loved and respected by many. He will be sadly missed.

Survivors include his beloved wife Mary (nee Pogachar) to whom he was married 62 years, sons: Dr. Robert (Diana) Gradisek and Dr. Richard (Roxanne) Gradisek, daughters: Lois (Dan) Andreas and Elaine (Dr. Patrick) McGuinn and grandchildren Matthew, Jason, Amanda, Benjamin, Nicole and Brian. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mary (nee Kernic) Gradisek and sister Mayme Omahan.

The family will receive friends Wednesday 2-4, 6-9 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel followed by the mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the Catholic Church of St. Peter, 3501 Oberlin Ave., Lorain. The Rev. Kenneth Wolnowski, pastor, and the Rev. Chuck Henkle, associate pastor, will concelebrate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where the Disabled American Veterans Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of Lorain will conduct military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Peter Endowment Fund, 3501 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH. 44052 or New Life Hospice Foundation, 3600 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH. 44053.