Frank Suarez, Jr.

Frank Suarez Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, and caring grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at Gables of Green. He was 91 years old.

Born in Sada, Spain, on November 22, 1933, Frank was the son of Francisco and Carmen (Riveiro) Suarez. He moved to the United States with his mother in 1941, joining his father who had already been working in America to support the family.

Frank often said he learned English in a single summer, playing and talking with the boys of the West Side of Massillon. He found lifelong friendship and camaraderie at the Massillon Boys Club, where he continued to meet his childhood friends for coffee and conversation until just weeks before his passing.

He graduated from Washington High School in 1953. Frank went on to earn a degree from Kent State University. He met his wife Joanne, in a Spanish class there. They were married on June 13, 1959, and shared nearly 66 years together.

After college, Frank served in the United States Army and was stationed at First Army Headquarters on Governor’s Island in New York City. Upon returning to Ohio, he became an entrepreneur. Beginning in 1972, he and his partners founded several metal finishing businesses. Their companies, Atlas Plating, Atlas Technical Finishes, and Auto Tap, Inc. employed many people in Cleveland and Lorain.

An avid golfer, Frank belonged to Shady Hollow, Sharon, Glenmoor, and several clubs in Naples, Florida. He even celebrated the thrill of a hole-in-one during his many years on the course.

Frank's greatest joy was his family. He cherished time spent around the dinner table, always with red wine, good food, and his ready wit. His generosity and warmth were constants in the lives of all who knew him. His family has fond memories of their trips to Frank’s hometown in Spain where they often ran into relatives on the beaches and in the cafes.

Frank was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Massillon.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne; his daughters, Dr. Suzanne (Dr. Peter) Schuler, Dr. Jacqueline (John) Dettling, and Julie (Jeff) Mysza; and his cherished grandchildren, Rachel (Dan) Barr, Dr. Matthew Schuler, and Renata Schuler; Sophia Dettling, Madeleine Dettling, and Michael Dettling; Grant Worstell and Camille Worstell.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all of Frank’s excellent doctors. They also wish to thank Care tenders Hospice and The Gables of Green for their compassionate care.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 23rd from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, Divine Mercy Parish (Massillon), 322 Third Street SE, Massillon. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery 2498 Erie St. S, Massillon. A rosary will be prayed in the chapel at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Frank's memory to The Boys and Girls Club of Massillon or The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. To share a message with Frank's family please sign the online guest book.