Frank J. Hunt

Frank J. Hunt, “Champ”, 91

     Boardman:  A Celebration of Life gathering is planned for Sunday, September 16, 2018 at C’s Waffles ,  11991 South Ave., North Lima,  starting at 4:00 p.m. for Frank J. Hunt, 91, known as “Champ”,  who passed away  Wednesday, September 5, 2018 after succumbing to the effects of dementia.  All are welcome to come and share stories and reminisce.   

     Frank, born Francis Jerome Gillis on March 27, 1927 in Bardstown, Kentucky, was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Frank M. and Beatrice Hunt of Ocala, Florida.

     Champ served in the Navy as a young man, and then traveled the country as a truck driver and mechanic.  Eventually settling in the North Lima area, he married Thelma on November 11, 1963. 

     Champ began his career as a Mahoning County Sheriff’s Deputy in 1967, was appointed Coordinator of the Patrol Unit in 1981, and retired in 1986 as a Sergeant .

     He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Thelma P. Hunt (Coler); a son, Frank M. Hunt; two daughters Richelle C. Mace (Michael) and Elizabeth F. DiBacco (Andrew);  five grandsons Michael and Matthew Mace, Vince and Nathan Hugenberg and Adam DiBacco, and two great grandsons Oswin and Orion (due Nov. 5, 2018) Mace.

     Champ took pride in his family, and enjoyed fishing, planting large gardens, maintaining his family’s vehicles and patrolling this county.  After retirement he loved spending time with his grandsons and his dogs, keeping his yard in tip-top shape, working on neighbors’ lawnmowers, and hanging out with the guys at Pilot and C’s Waffles in North Lima.  His self-determination and shear will power, coupled with “help from the Good Lord above” (as he would say), got him past difficulties and ailments all through his life including the lymphoma he beat at the age of 80, and it helped him greatly during this final struggle.

     Champ will forever remain in our hearts.

     Please visit www.thompsonfh1932.com to view this notice and send condolences to the family.

     Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of Thompson Filicky Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street in Boardman. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank J. Hunt, please visit our floral store.