It is with great sadness we announce Frank’s passing on Tuesday March 10, 2026, at the St. Catharines Hospital at the age of 83 years. Beloved husband for 62 years of Florence; and father of sons Frank Girhiny Jr., Steven (Patricia) Girhiny, Richard (Danielle) Girhiny and to be reunited with his predeceased daughter Margaret Charlene Kelly. Dear brother to Hedy (Bruce) Iviney. Cherished Papa to Chantal (Josh), Frank Jr (Samantha), Christian (Tymara), Cassaundra, Curtis Jr. (Carly), Caitlin, Taylor, Morgan (Adam), Erin (Ethan), and his eight beautiful great-grandchildren. He will be missed by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Ron and Brenda MacNeil, Sadie MacNeil and Doug McNeil as well as his many nephews and nieces.
Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Frank chased a dream and Florence to Ontario where he was employed at a number of businesses including the Globe and Mail before becoming a proud retiree with 30+ years of managing at the Brewers Retail across the Niagara Region.
He was also fondly known as “Coach” to many due to his decades of dedication to sports in Niagara Falls, including travel hardball and ice hockey. Frank was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Parish in Chippawa, as well as a many year member of the Chippawa Lions Club. In retirement, outside of spending time with family, he was an active participant of golf and bowling.
Frank had a passion for music, hosting decades of Boxing Day gatherings and other events and celebrations where he would sing and play the guitar and piano. And oh, how he loved to dance with his beloved, Florence. Additional fun and painful hobbies were gardening, cheering on Canada in any sport as well as his L.A. Dodgers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
The family would foremost like to thank the doctors, nurses, care givers and support workers at St. Catharines Hospital in 3B of the Oncology Department. Their dedication, care and empathy made a difficult time more than bearable.
Visitation will be at Patterson Funeral Home, 6062 Main St. Niagara Falls on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 5pm-8pm. Funeral Memorial Mass will be at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 6548 Dorchester Rd. Niagara Falls on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11am. Celebration of Life to follow at Willoughby Fire Hall, 11208 Sodom Rd. Chippawa at 1pm. If desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhome.com.
