Frank James Micheli

Frank J. Micheli, 91, passed away at 7:11 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at Genesis HealthCare System.

Frank was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on March 23, 1929, to John Micheli and Teresa Carlini Micheli and was a life-long resident of our community. 

Those who mourn his passing include his children:  Michael J. Micheli, Matthew (Cindy) Micheli, and Leisa (Chet) Centers; grandchildren:  Anthony (Jacqueline) Micheli, Jamie (Chuck) Byble, Rachael aka “Peaches” (Jonathan) Gaudio, Audra (Zach) Johnson, Brooke (Jason) Brofford, Slade (Michelle) Galloway, Shane (Alyson) Centers, and Chanelle and Chamaine Centers (“More than yesterday, less than tomorrow”); sixteen great-grandchildren and a great-granddaughter soon to arrive; a special nephew, Mark V. Micheli; a respected law partner, Steven R. Baldwin; a beloved sister-in-law, Marcine Cooney; a devoted caregiver, Joan Morrison; and a close, personal friend, Angelo Kallipolitis.

In addition to his parents and in-laws, he was preceded in death by his bride of 65 years, Doris Clum Micheli, his son and law partner, James C. Micheli, his beautiful granddaughter, Mia Leisa Micheli, and his only sibling, James A. Micheli.

After serving his country in the Marines, Frank attended John Carroll University and then Xavier University, where he granted in 1950 with a B.A. in History.  In 1953, he received his J.D. from the Ohio Northern University College of Law.  As a trial lawyer for over 60 years, Frank was admitted to practice in both State and Federal courts and tried over 500 jury trials to conclusion in 80 of Ohio’s 88 counties, as well as West Virginia.  Frank was the Past President of the Ohio Chapter of the American Board of Trial advocates, a national organization of outstanding trial lawyers, who are selected to membership by invitation only.  He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Muskingum County Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, the International Association of Insurance Counsel, and a panel member of the American Arbitration Association.   He enjoyed an AV rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and was listed in “Who’s Who in America.”  Frank was also involved in many service clubs and worked as the Public Service Director for the City of Zanesville in 1954.

Frank’s law partners and colleagues will remember him for his photographic memory, outstanding advocacy skills, and ability to recall legal precedent off the top of his head.  His writing skills were beyond reproach with one simple premise: “Brevity leads to Clarity.”  He valued his career and believed it was an honor to practice law.  While he worked with many attorneys in Zanesville, he was most proud of being able to partner and practice with his sons, Michael and James.  Despite his busy schedule, Frank always made time to “sit down” with young lawyers and help them with a particular legal issue or problem.  Many members of the bar are better lawyers for having received a “lesson” from him.  He will be sadly missed.

Throughout his lifetime, Frank enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing cards at the Elks, the Zanesville Country Club, and the Eagles.  He was an avid fan of all sports, but closely followed baseball and never missed The World Series.

While Frank will be remembered, by many, for his illustrious professional career, those who knew him best will remember him as a family man.  Most often, he could be found at “The House on Willow,” affectionately referred to as, “Command Central,” sitting in his easy chair, smoking his pipe, and enjoying his family and friends.  From that chair, he lovingly mentored, advised, and counseled his children and grandchildren.  He was a gifted storyteller and his family treasured times spent listening to tales of his younger years.  Favorites included him meeting his bride on the “flip of a coin” and the Middleweight boxing title he won, in 1952, while attending Ohio Northern University.  With great admiration and respect, he will be remembered as the patriarch of the Micheli family; a strong, intelligent man with a kind and generous spirit.

The sum of his legacy:  La Famiglia!

In keeping with Frank’s wishes, no calling hours were observed and his remains were respectfully cremated.  When it is safe to gather, the family will celebrate his life and inter his ashes next to his wife and son.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the nursing staff and volunteers on 3 South, at Genesis HealthCare System, who are tirelessly and compassionately caring for COVID patients.

The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Avenue, Zanesville is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Mr. Micheli’s family, please visit www.BryanHardwickFH.com.  

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