Francis M. “Frank” Lalli

Below is the death notice of Francis M. "Frank" Lalli, Class of 1963. Please keep the Lalli family in your prayers.

Francis (Frank) Michael Lalli, 76, passed away March 25, 2023.

Born on August 5, 1946, Frank was a lifelong Ohio resident, spending a good portion of his years in Strongsville. He was a 1963 graduate of St. Edward High School, and spent his college years pursuing his Bachelor's degree at Ohio University in Oxford, Ohio.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Gail (Gouskos) Lalli; daughters Christy Pantaleano (Jimmy) and Anne-Marie Frazier-Byron (Michael); son, Ryan Lalli; grandchildren, Michael Lalli and Ella, Caden and Cole Frazier; sisters Mary Lalli-de Cruz (Jay) and Liana Lalli; brother-in-law, John Gouskos (Hildee Pine); sister-in-law Joanne Zulia; niece Arielle de Cruz; nephews, Christian Ficara (Jill) and their son, Adam, and Brandon Ficara (Andy); and many cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Filomena (Fannie) and Francis (Frank) Lalli; and son-in-law, Jason Frazier.

Coming from a close-knit Italian family, Frank's early years were filled with countless hours of laughing, singing and dancing with his mother, Fannie, and younger sisters, Mary and Liana. The bond between Frank and his sisters was one for the ages, as they would spend hours talking and laughing in their bedroom. They loved and admired each other endlessly and while they may have aged, their bond was timeless and remained strong until his very last breath.

After graduating high school from St. Ed's, Frank headed to Ohio University where he pursued his Bachelor's degree and also channeled his love for music by playing in a band. After college, he continued to play in a band which is how he met his first wife, Bev, with whom he had his two "babies", Christen Michelle and Anne-Marie Frances. Christy-Belle and Re Bugs, as he always called them, were the true apple of Frank's eye. As a proud Dad, he continued his childhood music-playing tradition with his daughters, as he would sit in their family room with his bass guitar playing 80's rock hits while they sang and danced their hearts out.

For decades, Frank looked forward to the family's annual vacation at his sister Mary's shore house in Ocean City, NJ, where his entire family would spend weeks together in the summer. Much time was spent on the boardwalk where Frank would enjoy his daily dose of Mack's pizza and nightly dessert of Johnson's popcorn. He also loved to splash in the ocean with Christy and Anne-Marie, and compete in the family's high-stakes Annual Coolerball Tournament (if you know, you know). While their summers were always relaxing and peaceful, there was never a dull moment without affection, laughter and silliness.
In 1992, Frank met Gail, who would become his companion and wife for the remaining 31 years of his life. His love and respect for Gail withstood the test of time and he immediately loved and accepted Gail's son, Ryan, as his own from the moment they met. Having spent only five nights apart in their 23-year marriage, they were always up for little adventures together, whether it was an evening ride on their boat in Lake Erie, spending the weekend with their grandson, Michael or taking weekend trips to see family and friends. Relaxing nights at home often included watching sports with Ryan, which was something they loved to do together. As Frank entered his later years and health challenges arose, Gail (or "Lou" as he always affectionately called her) was always by his side, taking care of him and doing her best to give him the greatest quality of life possible, while honoring his deepest life wishes.

Throughout his life, Frank always had a passion for God, music, sports, auto racing and entrepreneurship. As one of his proudest accomplishments, he also proudly became a Secular Franciscan, which was a way to honor his love and respect for St. Francis of Assissi.

The absence of Frank will be felt for years to come, but as he has always said to his daughters he will always be loved "as big as the sky, and the sky never ends."
VISITATION will be held on Wednesday, March 29th from 3pm - 7pm at JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 Pearl Road, Strongsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 30th at 11:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12700 Pearl Road, Strongsville. Burial will take place at Strongsville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Frank's life by making a charitable donation to either to the cause of your choice, or to a cause meaningful to Frank:
The American Lung Association
The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
Franciscan Missions

Posted on: March 27, 2023