Francis E Grutkowski

Francis E Grutkowski

Our Dad, Francis (Frank) was an exceptional man who sang the Hail Mary to us all in Polish the day before he passed peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at the age of 88. Frank resided in his home in Erie where he had lived the last 54 years with his wife Mildred (Millie) Ann (Zambo) Grutkowski raising eight loving children together.

Frank was born in Erie on October 16th, 1934, a son of the late Frank and Mary Romanowski Grutkowski. He graduated from Cathedral Prep in 1952. He attended Gannon University for two years and Saint Marks Seminary for an additional two years - both prior to serving in the Army as a Sergeant in the Korean War. He came home in support of his family at the passing of his father in 1960. Frank worked at Firch Baking Company, Hayes Manufacturing, and Erie Forge and Steel, all in support of his most important role as father to eight children: Michael, Stephan, Patrick, James, Laura (Grutkowski) Marley, Gregory, Douglas, and Robert Grutkowski. Frank taught us a strong work ethic and helped us understand the importance of family.

Frank had a big heart. Over the years, a special joy in his life was spending time with his dogs. He enjoyed playing Pinochle with his family. He loved to sing (mainly in Polish) and to dance to Polka music and would sing and whistle as he worked. Along with being a talented carpenter, Franks favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, and boating. He was passionate and very knowledgeable about history, and loved to watch the history channel, war movies, and documentaries. He relaxed, sitting at the pier with his coffee watching the boats pass through the channel while reminiscing with friends, loved ones, and anyone who stopped for a chat. He was witty, loving to converse with others, lifting their spirits with his bright and comical demeanor but most of all, Frank adored and was proud of his family. He will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Genevieve, Helen, Ann, Teresa, Frances, and Mary Ann, his brothers Walter and Charlie, and his son, Robert.

Survivors include his loving wife Millie of 59 years, sons, Michael (Karen), Stephan, Patrick, James (Jackie), Gregory (Janet), Douglas, and daughter Laura (Michael) Marley along with 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren (Rasa and Anthony), and one brother, David (Mary Ellen) Grutkowski. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 11th, at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a service there on Monday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 816 West 26th Street, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Special Olympics Pennsylvania-Northwest Region, 8161 Oliver Rd., Erie, PA 16509.