WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) - Franklin Roosevelt Manios, 92 of Warren, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Weirton, West Virginia, On October 27, 1932, the son of Leonidas and Irene Epitropoulos (Manolakakis) Manios of Karpathos, Greece and moved to Warren, Ohio in 1941.
Frank graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1950.
He was admitted to The University of Pittsburgh in 1950 and enlisted in the Marines in 1953, served in 1st battalion 6th Marine HS Company following his deployment from Camp Lejeune; he then served in the Intelligence Unit in the Mediterranean. He shared many memories from Parris Island bootcamp specifically his drill instructor Staff Seargent Cambell. He proudly sang the United States Marine Corp hymn on November 10, the USMC Birthday and proudly displayed his flag. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1955.
He then was readmitted from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science of Pharmacy in 1957. While in Pittsburgh he met Mary Mitaras at a church outing, fell instantly in love and married on October 18, 1959, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together they proudly shared three children, Irene H. (Dr. Patsy) Buccino of Poland, Lee F. (Judy) Manios of Warren and Juanita G. Manios (companion, Theodore Powers) of Warren; grandchildren, Danny Buccino, Maria Stroup, Frankie Manios and David Manios. Frank was the best Papou, father and nicknamed 'The wise old owl".
Franklin worked for Thrift Drug as a high school student and during college as a salesclerk and apprentice. After graduation he launched his career in Warren, Ohio, at Thrift Drug Company as a Registered Pharmacist and Manager until 1966. On August 2, 1966, he purchased McGarr Apothecary on N. Park and founded Franklin Pharmacy. In 1968 he purchased Montgomery Pharmacy, also known as the pink building at the corner of Youngstown road and Woodbine which is now the Frank Manios corner in Warren, Ohio. Franklin pharmacy then expanded into Franklin Pharmacy & Healthcare in 1979 upon constructing a new building next door that added hospital and medical equipment, under one roof, a new concept at that time proved to be quite successful. His efforts have served the community for six decades, touching thousands of lives and countless families through his pharmacy and generosity.
He was dedicated to community service, sharing his professional gifts for the benefit of humanity in supporting numerous charities and by serving on the Board of Advisors for The Warren Ohio Salvation Army, American Legion, The Trumbull 100 Elite leadership group. He serves six years as Ohio State Board of Pharmacists was member and president of Trumbull County Pharmaceutical Association; received Ohio State Centennial Pharmacist of the year 1978; as well as being named "Independent Superstar" by Drug Trade Journal 1998 and 1990. He received many recognition awards from Eli Lilly and Abbot Labs E.R. Squibb and Park Davis. He also served as Trustee of the Trumbull County library Board and elected Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Warren G. Harding High school. In 2008 he was awarded the Distinguished Ellis Island Medal of Honor award. In November 2017 he was honored as a Distinguished Alumni School of Pharmacy University of Pittsburgh. Franklin helped sponsor the Goddess of speed project along with continuous support of youth athletics and education such as Warren G. Harding, John F. Kennedy and Howland Schools. He was also involved with Southeast Neighborhood committee, Butler Museum, Warren Civic music, Packard Museum and many other organizations and entities that share the goal of serving Warren, Ohio.
Frank's devotion and commitment for the preservation of Hellenic Ideals through his dedicated service to the Greek Orthodox Church and the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Progressive Association). As a lifelong member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, served on Parish Counsel for ten years; also was a member of Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 endowment fund. To put it simply, Frank loved his Greek Heritage. He was awarded the highest Patriarchal lay award of Eastern Orthodox Christian Church; the rank of Archon by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
He reached the topmost office of Order of AHEPA by being elected Supreme President over United States, Canada, Greece and Cyprus. Through AHEPA he built International ethnic bridges; made lifelong friendships; sponsored athletic and educational scholarships. During his term he oversaw establishment scholarship funds expansion AHEPA's footprint Cyprus. He elevated national recognition Constantino Brumidi; artist dome Capitol; 200th anniversary birth. He also served Chairman Board Trustees marked significant milestones profoundly impacted organization core mission promote Hellenic ideals education philanthropy civic responsibility. Through AHEPA he was invited White House during Clinton , Obama George W . Bush administrations . He attended congressional banquets meetings Washington DC enthusiasm enhance relations United States Greece Cyprus . Frank travelled world loved meeting people helping people secure better relations . He was never intimidated join conversation . He was invited U .S . embassies pride represent AHEPA , U .S ., Greece Cyprus . He wore many hats order AHEPA along being lifetime member Zeus#88 Chapter recently renamed Zeus#88 Franklin Manios Chapter .
Frank lived boldly , loved deeply , worked tirelessly make world , whether lives touched friendships nurtured , better place . Frank will forever remembered man honor , integrity compassion . He lit room sense humor warm smile welcomed met him....... If you knew Frank you knew he loved Pittsburgh Steelers , Pittsburgh Pirates , anything Pitt loved Warren , Ohio . He lived life LOVE . Love wife Mary , family , GOD , Pharmacy friends country . He especially loved Greek dance , Sousta! loved singing along John Denver's , "Take Me Home , Country Roads."
Frank attributed success hard work immigrant parents . They embraced American dream , naming son current sitting president , but also taught never forget came from . Frank spoke highly English teacher , Ruth Partridge , emphasized importance cultural socialization
Frank was preceded in death by his wife Mary of 70 years; his beloved brother and best friend, Michael Manios; half-brother, Emmanuel Manios and half sister, Irene Stavraks.
He is survived by his nephew, Lee M. Manios; niece, Trina (Greg) Baldwin; great-nieces, Alexandria and Samantha Baldwin; two Godsons, Michael Epitropoulos and Bill Andamasaris and many cousins in the USA and Greece.
In his final days and weeks he wanted to express his heartfelt appreciation to his dearest friends, family and caregivers who took such great care of him. He will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank Patriot Home Healthcare, Shepard of the Valley of Liberty, Howland and Austinwoods Rehab.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AHEPA Zeus#88 or St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Warren, Ohio.
Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Frank on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road. A Trisagion Service will be held at 5:00 p.m., at the funeral home.
Additional calling hours will be on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 429 High Street NE, Warren, OH 44481.
A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Monday, at the church, with Metropolitan Savas, the Rev. Constantine Valantasis and the Rev. Demetri Constantine presiding.
Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.