Francis R. GROSS, age 83. Passed away Wednesday, February 18. Husband of Jane Sembric and the late Alice (nee McGill) for 52 years. Son of the late Frank Gross and Emma (nee Gerisch). Brother of the late Elaine. Brother- in -law of Carol and John Selis. Dear uncle to many nieces, nephews, and dear friend to many. Francis was a pharmacist and practiced dentistry on the west side of Cleveland. He had a strong passion for opera, chamber music, and education. He supported numerous musical organizations and the arts. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Francis, donations can be made to The Cleveland Institute of Music, Opera Dept. 11021 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Memorial Service: Saturday, February 22 at 1:00 PM at The Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Rd. Parma, OH 44129 (betw. Ridge & Snow). Private entombment services at Brooklyn Heights Cemetery, Cleveland OH, are being held.
To offer condolences visit www.ZaborFH.com.
Messages of Condolence
My deepest sympathies to Jane. From the minite I first met Francis I knew I had a life-long friend – his ireverent humor, vast knowledge and musical talent, his dedication to helping support the performing arts in Cleveland won my unswerving admiration. He was certainly one-of-a-kind, a friend and collegue I’ll never forget. He will be greatly missed.
We know Francis is hearing the operas he liked best in heaven. Francis was a man who knew what he liked and wanted. A one of a kind intellectual character and a philanthropist in his own right.
He was an impresario donating funds for operas to be held and hosted many of them in his wonderful home in Shaker Heights. People heard opera up close and personal at these events and he knew they would become opera lovers too. We actually have all been missing you for a while and many asked about you at our last NOOL (Northern Ohio Opera League) opera brunch held two days earlier 2/16.14. The North East Ohio area will have seen an end to an era where grown men would host opera yet play honky-tonk on their piano before or after the event, where a Navy man would feel comfortable talking as well as the most knowledgeable opera and old movie buff. Francis delighted in showing off his prized collections of signatures yet refuse to sign his own name maybe because he was bragging that his signature was also of value. Francis, we all valued you signature or not. Marcia always felt pride accompanying on piano for your opera singers and I just turning pages or setting up her equipment in your backyard to make your parties the best. Jane no one could ever come close to replacing Francis but know your NOOL opera friends will be there for you in your transition without your character of a man.
We will miss the man with a quick smile and a tart tongue, the gift of a good joke and the wit of a writer. Wont be hawking golf balls with you in your backyard anymore. I will have one on you as you would always came ready to hug your friends….
You were a rare personality and we will miss you///.
Hi Jane & Family,
So sorry to read about the death of Francis. He was a very fine person with so many interests!
My sympathy to you.
Fondly,
Elaine Harris Green
Dear Dr. Sembric
I am sorry to hear about the death of your husband, Francis. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
Fondly,
Karen Washinkgton