Frank A. Chenette's Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Frank A. Chenette, who passed away on July 28, 2026, from complications of Parkinson's at the age of 77.
Frank moved to Cleveland's Westport neighborhood in 1962. He graduated from St.
Edward High School and John Carroll University where he was a member of Delta
Alpha Theta Fraternity, as well as being elected student body treasurer and president. In 1968, Frank received the Brother's Keeper Award and the ROTC Medal of Honor for Heroism for rescuing an unarmed man who was being beaten by five assailants. Frank
received his law degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School. Frank practiced law in
Washington D.C. and Cleveland, Ohio and was dedicated to the profession he loved.
Frank was aptly named after St. Francis of Assisi. Those who knew him well stood in
awe when animals demonstrated a deep love for Frank, which he returned tenfold.
Frank was the best uncle with which to go to Sea World as the marine life would
gravitate toward him, much to the delight of his nieces and nephews. Frank was an avid
nature lover, which seemed to go hand-in-hand with his love of running. He ran, nearly
daily, for 50 years. It was in nature that Frank felt closest to God. His love of the
outdoors took him to countless locations including numerous National Parks, where he
immersed himself in the naturescape experience of hiking and camping. His three-
month odyssey of backpacking across the U.S. was something he treasured all his life.
Frank was a Cleveland sports fan with baseball being his favorite. In 2000, his love of
dogs and desire to help others drew Frank to Guiding Eyes for the Blind; he
successfully raised and trained his sweet puppy, Halo to become the beloved life's
companion for Lawrence Brown of El Paso, TX. A life-long friendship with Lawrence and
Halo ensued. Over the next few years, he puppy sat for over 80 dogs to help other
Guiding Eyes trainers for various amounts of time.
Frank is the beloved husband of Michelle Simko; brother of Michelle Gore, Denise
Tuchfarber (Jim Simonin), Jean Gonering, Greg Chenette (Martie) Christine
Korzendorfer (Fritz) and deceased, James Chenette (Michelle); brother-in-law to Eileen
and Andrew Chwalibog, Janet and George Buckingham, Mary Denise and Michael
O'Boyle and beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10 a.m. at The Church of the Resurrection, in Solon, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road,
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 would be appreciated.
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?