He was predeceased by his parents.
Frank was the devoted husband of Anita [Scalzi], loving father of Frank J., Carolina Petrykowski, James J., MaryAnn Perry, Anita Lambert, John R., Rosemary Kassab and was preceded in death by two sons, Robert G. and Fortunato J. Clara.
He leaves many grandchildren and was Godfather to his firstborn grand daughter Carol Ann [Petrykowski] Binkowski.
Frank was born in Berryburg, West Virginia and raised in the Rivesville, Fairmont area. He told many a story of swimming in the Monongahela River as a youth. He moved to Detroit, Mi. in his late teens. He was a golden gloves boxer from the mid 1920's to early 1930's and boxed in Detroit, Mi., Windsor, Ontario, Toledo, Ohio and West Virginia. His nick name was 'One Punch Clara' because that's all it took to knock out his opponent! He trained at Kronk recreation center in Detroit.
He was employed at General Motors, Chevrolet, Mound Rd. and 9 Mile Rd., Warren, Mi. at the time of his death and previously at Chevrolet Gear and Axle, Hamtramck, Mi. He was also formerly employed at Packard Motor Company, and as a bouncer at The Bowery in Hamtramck, Mi., and also The Rendouvous and The Duchess Lounge both in Detroit, Mi.
He also was the projectionist at The Regal Theatre in Detroit and played a Bartender in the stage play Ten Nights in a Bar-Room.
He was an avid organic gardener and was frequently featured in the local newspapers with pictures of the 8 lb. tomatoes he would grow! He also made the best dandelion wine and homemade root beer!
~ To a wonderful Father: ~
God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
*Many thanks to my cousin, L. Petro for adding my father to Find A Grave and for turning his memorial over to me for maintenance.
**I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Mr. David Kessler for taking the time to visit and photograph the final resting place of my parents and brother Fortunato.
May your kindness be returned to you a hundred fold Sir.
Thank you for the beautiful 'Easter gift'!
***Special thanks to Edward Leffew for paying tribute to and honoring the memory of my father, Frank D. Clara by sponsoring his memorial. Mere words can not fully express the feelings I have for your kindness. I wish for you my friend the kindness you have shown to others be returned to you a hundredfold. Thank you so much Sir.
Please take a moment to visit my beloved daughter Kimberly and wonderful mother Anita
He was predeceased by his parents.
Frank was the devoted husband of Anita [Scalzi], loving father of Frank J., Carolina Petrykowski, James J., MaryAnn Perry, Anita Lambert, John R., Rosemary Kassab and was preceded in death by two sons, Robert G. and Fortunato J. Clara.
He leaves many grandchildren and was Godfather to his firstborn grand daughter Carol Ann [Petrykowski] Binkowski.
Frank was born in Berryburg, West Virginia and raised in the Rivesville, Fairmont area. He told many a story of swimming in the Monongahela River as a youth. He moved to Detroit, Mi. in his late teens. He was a golden gloves boxer from the mid 1920's to early 1930's and boxed in Detroit, Mi., Windsor, Ontario, Toledo, Ohio and West Virginia. His nick name was 'One Punch Clara' because that's all it took to knock out his opponent! He trained at Kronk recreation center in Detroit.
He was employed at General Motors, Chevrolet, Mound Rd. and 9 Mile Rd., Warren, Mi. at the time of his death and previously at Chevrolet Gear and Axle, Hamtramck, Mi. He was also formerly employed at Packard Motor Company, and as a bouncer at The Bowery in Hamtramck, Mi., and also The Rendouvous and The Duchess Lounge both in Detroit, Mi.
He also was the projectionist at The Regal Theatre in Detroit and played a Bartender in the stage play Ten Nights in a Bar-Room.
He was an avid organic gardener and was frequently featured in the local newspapers with pictures of the 8 lb. tomatoes he would grow! He also made the best dandelion wine and homemade root beer!
~ To a wonderful Father: ~
God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
*Many thanks to my cousin, L. Petro for adding my father to Find A Grave and for turning his memorial over to me for maintenance.
**I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Mr. David Kessler for taking the time to visit and photograph the final resting place of my parents and brother Fortunato.
May your kindness be returned to you a hundred fold Sir.
Thank you for the beautiful 'Easter gift'!
***Special thanks to Edward Leffew for paying tribute to and honoring the memory of my father, Frank D. Clara by sponsoring his memorial. Mere words can not fully express the feelings I have for your kindness. I wish for you my friend the kindness you have shown to others be returned to you a hundredfold. Thank you so much Sir.
Please take a moment to visit my beloved daughter Kimberly and wonderful mother Anita