Frank S. Papay

On November 9, 2022, Frank S. Papay, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 98. He met everyone with a smile and graced them with an “I love you” instead of goodbye. He was a beautiful man, husband, father and grandfather and a true living example of what living a full life is to all who knew him. 

He was born on May 12, 1924,in Lorain, Ohio, the second child of five children to William and Mary Papay (Stumphauzer) in Lorain, Ohio.   He enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II and served proudly under General Patton as a Sargent in the Army Corp of Engineers. Upon returning home, he soon met Virginia Plato, the love of his life, at the Elyria Roll-Arena, and they were married in 1950. To anyone who knew him, they witnessed the true love and devotion of a husband to his wife until she passed away in 2015 after 65 years of marriage.

He was devoted to his family and loved being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to tell stories of his past and listen intently to his grandchildren’s adventures in life. He was the cornerstone of our family, a living example of humility, patience, and love. He was a great man of faith who was full of gratitude every day of his life.   

He worked at General Motors in Elyria until he retired.  He was a lifelong learner and tinkerer; you could often find him working on his WWII Willy’s Jeep in the garage or on the internet reading. He learned to fly after the Army and dreamed of flying a Mustang.  On his 68th birthday, he had the ride of his life piloting a WWII Vought F4U Corsair.A man who had impeccable balance and a playful spirit, he loved ice skating, motorcycles, and planes.  Even at 93, we would find him riding his motorized bicycle outside. 

He loved traveling with his wife, Virginia; a few of his favorite destinations were Hawaii, the West Indies, and Europe.  He was intrigued with Treasure Hunting, and you could find both Frank and Virginia searching for that magical gold doubloon on the treasure coast in Vero Beach.

He was a devoted member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, where he was a server and usher until the age of 93.  His faith in God carried him through the most challenging times in his life; WWII, the loss of his son Lawrence Papay in 1965, and his loving wife, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his first son, Lawrence (Larry), his wife, Virginia (Plato), his parents; William and Mary Papay , and two brothers; Bill and Ernie, and his loving dogs Buddy and Buttons.

His surviving children include daughters Linda (Bob) Seman and Judy (Tim) Otten; sons Frank A.Papay MD (Dianne Morgan), James G. Papay, Anthony (Kelly) Papay; grandchildren, Jessica Cooperrider MD, Kurt (Brittany) Cooperrider, Olivia (Jon) Ciotti, Francis (Frankie), Anthony, Roman, Maximus and Brody; great grandchildren Hayes Cooperrider and Oliver Ciotti. His surviving siblings are Gilbert Papay DVM of Sylvania  and Maryann (Bob) Stilwell of Oberlin.

The family will receive friends (today) Friday, November 11,2022 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria (440)322-4626.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Saturday, November 12, 2022 at St. Agnes Church, 611 Lake Ave., Elyria, OH 44035. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). The Reverend Father Charles T. Diedrick, Pastor will be the Celebrant. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria where V.F.W. Post 1079 will provide full military honors. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Frank’s memory may be sent to St. Agnes Church. .  Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com.

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