Francis A.. Granata

Francis Regis Granata, 67, passed away December 4, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo. Born June 29, 1942 in Toledo, Ohio, he was the sixth of seven children of Joseph and Eleanor (Hertzfeld) Granata. Francis attended St Ann's Grade school and was especially proud to be a member of the first graduating class from Christ the King School. He was a 1960 graduate of Whitmer High School and a graduate of the University of Toledo with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. His career began at Allied Chemical and Textile Leather. Francis was employed at Owens Illinois for over 15 years, beginning in 1970. At Owens Illinois he worked in the Plastics Products and Closure Divisions as a Project Engineer in Research and Development. Francis retired in 2007 from LexaMed (B.E.C. labs) as a chemist. He belonged to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Society of Plastic Engineers, and National Metal Decorators Association. Francis was a longtime member of St. Pius X Parish where he enjoyed coaching his children in baseball, basketball and soccer. He truly loved participating in and following sports. He was a loyal fan of Ohio State baseball, St. Francis de Sales, Central Catholic and University of Notre Dame football. Francis also loved music, especially barbershop and opera. A devoted husband and father, Francis leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of forty years, Linda (Stoll) Granata, sons, Robert (Lori) and Christopher (Rebecca) and daughter, Kathline (Greg) Dempsey. "Papa" deeply loved his nine grandchildren: Nicholas, Nathan, Patrick, Anna, Dominic, and Maria Granata, and Lauren, Ryan, and Andrew Dempsey. Also surviving are brothers: Charles(Arline), Joseph(Millie), Richard(Susan), Thomas(Gloria), David(Karen); sister, Eleanor Turner, Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law, Carol Stoll, and brother-in-law, Ronald (Elizabeth) Stoll, Phoenix AZ. Numerous cherished nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation for Francis will be from 2-9 P.M., Thursday, December 10, 2009, at the Ansberg West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, where a Scripture Service will be at 7:00 P.M. Prayers will begin at 10 A.M. Friday, December 11, 2009, from the funeral home followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M., in St. Pius X Church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to each doctor, nurse, and member of the medical team and staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo who proved to be "true angels" to Francis on his final journey. Additionally, the family is grateful to Dr. Mowat and the staff at The Toledo Clinic Oncology Department and also, Dr. Foetisch and Dr. Naddaf who provided excellent care to Francis throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Kevin Granata Memorial Fund at St. Francis DeSales High School, Notre Dame Academy, Central Catholic High School, St. Pius X Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Francis A.. Granata

June 29, 1942 - December 4, 2009