Frank C. Corona Sr.

Frank Corona Sr., 91, of Bucyrus, died Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Orchard Park.



Frank was born June 5, 1929 in Bucyrus to the late Anthony P. and Josephine L. (Vitterose) Corona and was a 1947 graduate of Bucyrus High School. Frank met Donna Mae Willie while working for his family fruit and vegetable business and from that moment, a relationship formed. The two were married on February 22, 1951 and shared 63 years of marriage until Donna’s passing on March 5, 2014.



Frank enlisted with the Air Force and proudly served his country for four years during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and worked at Timken for 30 years, retiring as a supervisor. Frank was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and the American Legion Post 181.



Their family shared many camping adventures which took them all over the country and for several years, Frank enjoyed the game of golf. He and Donna often took day trips and country drives which occasionally led them to his favorite spots for spaghetti or cannoli. Frank liked woodworking and crafted many great creations which were given as gifts to family as well as sold at local craft shows. Frank cherished time with his grandchildren and he and Donna faithfully attended their activities. Socializing with family or friends is what kept Frank so vibrant and he was never at a loss for words in the presence of people.



He is survived by his children, Frank (Tricia) Corona Jr. of Freeport, Chris (Mike) Spaid of Bucyrus, and Debbie (Jon) Mazander of Mansfield; daughter-in-law, Jacki Corona; thirteen grandchildren, Jesse (Wesley) Williamson, Jenny (Rory Schoonmaker) Corona, Emily (Denver) Wright, Leslie Cinadr, Lisa Corona, Michael (Rachel Lantz) Corona, Matt (Sara) Corona, Marc (Sara) Corona, Alisha (Jason) Miller, Annie (Chris) Clark, Adrienne (Matt) Ruhe, Kelly (Josh) Ard and Kevin (Tracey) Shields; many great and great-great grandchildren; brother, Tim (April) Corona and sisters-in-law, Brenda Corona and Helen Ludwick.



Frank was preceded in death by son, Carey Corona; siblings, David Corona, Mary Jo (Sam) Schnabel and Toni Corona along with a brother-in-law, Lee Ludwick.



All services for Frank will be held on Saturday, March 20. A Rosary service will begin at 9:00 am at Wise Funeral Service followed by visitation extending from 9:15 to 10:30 am. At this time, guests will be dismissed to their cars so that Frank’s family can have a few moments of private time before a formal procession leaves for Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where his funeral mass will begin at 11:00 am with Fr Paul Fahrbach officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with Military Rites provided by both US Air Force Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.



Donations can be made payable to Honor Flight Network; Wounded Warrior Project; Make a Difference Addiction Ministry (an organization his son, Carey was active with) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his tribute page.