Frank Joseph Granzeier, 88, of Fort Myers, FL passed away in Athens, AL on Saturday, May 28, 2022. He was born on July 26, 1933 to Arthur George and Irene Mary Granzeier in Cleveland, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Irene Granzeier; two sisters, Jean Braun and Sr. Joan Granzeier; his wife, Marilyn Granzeier; his infant son, Anthony; his stepson, Steven Sheffer; his step-grandson, James Sheffer; and his nephew, Luke Braun.
He is survived by his sister, Jane Sweeney; his brother, Arthur Granzeier II; his daughter, Tara (Chuck) Quade; his sons, John Granzeier and David Granzeier; his stepchildren, Sarr (Susan) Sheffer, Sherilyn (Doug) Gould, Sarana (Mark) Rogers, Stewart (Cindy) Sheffer; his granddaughters, Rebecca (William) Busen and Rachel Quade; 13 step-grandchildren, Nick, Geniva, Karinne, Katie, Whitney, Kristin, Ryan, Jazz, Blue, Aja, Josiah, Joseph, and Jacob; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Frank graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, OH in June, 1951. He attended John Carroll University in Cleveland as a pre-med student for one year before entering the Jesuit seminary in Milford, OH. During his nine years in the seminary, he graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH with a bachelor of Literature in 1956; he attended West Baden College in IN where he studied Philosophy; and he graduated from Loyola University in Chicago, IL with a Masters of Arts in 1960.
After deciding to leave his studies to become a priest, Frank taught Mathematics at St. Ignatius High School in Chicago. He eventually pursued a career in the writing, editing, and publishing field and worked on various trade magazines for Fairchild Publications and then Cahners Publishing. He called many cities home over his 40-year career, including Phoenix, Chicago, Boston, and San Jose before retiring to Fort Myers, FL in late 2000. He continued writing after retirement, and published what he considered his greatest work, his novel, Father Donahough’s Rebellion.
Frank enjoyed music and dancing, racquetball and handball, playing a good game of chess or bridge, watching football, debating politics with his siblings, and reading everything from mystery novels to nonfiction works. He could often be found in his favorite chair after dinner with a good book and a martini. He was loved by many, and quickly won almost everyone over with his charm and goofy sense of humor. He was deeply devoted to his family and will be greatly missed.
A private family memorial service will be planned at a future date.
