NEW MIDDLETOWN – Franklin Gerald Molnar, 82, died surrounded by his family at his home on Thursday May 1, 2025.

Frank was born November 18, 1942 to parents Frank and Ann (Sopko) Molnar.  He was a 1960 graduate of Springfield High School.  On September 10, 1966 he married the love of his life, Anna Marie (Hvizdos) Molnar.

He was a hard worker who was a wonderful provider for his family.  Frank worked at Fitzsimons Steel Co. from1962-1980 and YSU Maintenance from 1981-2002.  Frank was a volunteer firefighter for the Petersburg Fire Department from 1969-2002 who later became the Springfield Township Fire Chief for 13 years, retiring in 2002.  He was the last to have the "401" chief call sign.  Frank was the President of the Mahoning County Fire Chiefs Association in 1996.  He was a member of the Springfield Twp. Rescue Squad EMS 1974-1994 and was the Squad Leader for many years.  He was an original and lifelong member of St. Paul the Apostle Church where he and his wife first laid eyes on each other.

Frank was known to his grandsons as "Grandpa Fire Truck".  His favorite place was perched upon his army of tractors and had a penchant for mowing grass.  Friends and family enjoyed the harvest from his spectacular garden as well as his canned pickles.  Frank was a jack of all trades – not sure if there was anything he could not fix.  He and Anna traveled all US states except for 4 and enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Alaska in 1996.  Canfield Fair was a must every year.  Each summer they would make the rounds to all of the music events at Woodworth Park, Roosevelt Park, Welker Park and St. Paul's.

Frank leaves his daughter, Lynn (Raymond) Seymour and three grandsons Russell (Sydney) Seymour, Maxwell Seymour and Mitchell Seymour.  Sisters-in-law Mary Hvizdos, Helen Bosak, Suzanne Hankinson, Gerrie Hvizdos, and Joyce Hvizdos; brothers-in-law Joseph Opsitnik and John Hvizdos.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; a daughter, Lori Tamburro;

mother and father-in-law Josephine (Heldt) Hvizdos and Michael Hvizdos; sisters-in-law Josephine Opsitnik, Ruthann Hvizdos, Irene Starr, Bernice Mihalko.  Brothers-in-law Joseph Hankinson, Paul Hvizdos, Frank Hvizdos, Michael Starr and Thomas Bosak; and lastly, his faithful and fearless companion, Jetty.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday May 7, 2025 from 5:00-8:00pm at Clemente Funeral Home in New Middletown.  The firemen will walk at 7:30 pm.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 10143 Main Street, New Middletown, OH   44442.  Friends may call from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at Clemente Funeral Home prior to mass.

The family requests that material tributes in Frank's memory be made to the Springfield Township Fire Department, 3475 South Range Road, New Springfield, OH   44443 or TLC Home  Health Care, 8775 East Market Street, Warren, OH   44484.

"401 signing off".

Visit www.clementefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

Springfield Township Fire Department
3475 South Range Road, New Springfield OH 44443

TLC Home Health Care
8775 East Market Street, Warren OH 44484