Frank J. Zbierajewski, Jr.

Frank J. Zbierajewski, 76, of Berkey, Ohio passed away on March 10, 2025. He was the loving son of the late Frank and Clara (Nowak) Zbierajewski, Sr, born on November 3, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio. Frank was a Macomber High School graduate and then went on to attend a Tinsmith/Sheet Metal Trade School. During his career he was employed with the Lum Corporation, the United Metal Workers Building Trades, and General Motors Hydramatic.

Frank worked tirelessly for his family, but always made time to be there. A thrilling roller coaster ride brought a childish smile to his face, but he loved nothing more than sitting with his family at a simple campfire to admire the moon and the evening stars, and enjoy a cold beer. Always with a fishing pole nearby, he made the most creatively disgusting home-made bait that never did catch anything, but he never stopped trying--because he would always remind his company: “It ain’t about the fish”. Frank always showed up. It didn’t matter what shift he worked or how many hours it was. It didn’t matter if it was the science fair, the most important game of the season, an everyday practice that meant nothing to anyone, but it meant something to you, or a beauty pageant--which NEVER happened, but you can bet he would have been there too, front-and-center. He was his children's biggest fan, and left zero room for doubt that he was always in their corner.

Frank was an intimidating tower of strength yet a tender shoulder to cry on. A thundering velvet hand, as oft quoted from one of his favorite artists, Dan Fogelberg’s “Leader of the Band”. His singing voice was a gift that even angels would join the audience to witness in awe, but only his humility matched the greatness of it. His love and appreciation for music and singing connected him to people and brought them together.

He lived and loved life with a passion, but loved his wife of 56 years even a little bit more. Time with his kids and grandkids was irreplaceable to Frank, and he constantly made sure they knew it. He was the best damn My Little Pony Farmer the 1980s had ever seen. He had a knack for invention, a keen wit, a deep respect for nature, and a generosity that extended to anyone who found themselves in his large, looming shadow. Frank was an unendingly kind, welcoming giant-- Frank Stein, Butch, Dziadz, Dad. He left an impossibly huge void to fill—but it’s already overflowing with the massive weight of all the love he left in his wake.

Frank leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Helen (Thieman) Zbierajewski; children, Mary (Tom Nichols) Tillman Zbierajewski, Frank (Marty) Zbierajewski III, Katie (Matt) Williams Zbierajewski, Claire Zbierajewski, and Jeana (Donovan) Sornig Zbierajewski; grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrew, Grace, Luke, Gabriel, Williams, Jackson, Claira, Matthew, Steven, Christine, Abigail, and Henry. 

The family will welcome guests on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home - West Sylvania Chapel, 3655 King Rd, Toledo, where a Sharing of Memories will begin at 5:00 pm.

To share a memory of Frank or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the Guestbook below.