* FEAT - a very brave or difficult act, "dealing with CJD is no easy feat"
* FEET - we walk for Frank - we are his feet just as we will continue to be his voice
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Frank's Story
5/7/1960 - 5/14/2021
Frank was born and raised in Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania and was the third of seven children to Frank Lamari, Sr. and Patricia Schloder Lamari Woodward. At the age of 12, Frank lost his father, and although family was always a priority, from that moment on he and his siblings were exceptionally close and remain close to this day.
Following high school, trade school and a stint with the US Air Force he moved back to Pennsylvania to be close to his mother and step-dad Paul. He then married his wife Debbie and remained in the Leechburg area. After 30 years working with Allegheny Ludlum in Leechburg, PA he retired in 2019 at the age of 58. His plan was to spend his retirement traveling to all the incredible golf courses throughout the USA.
Frank loved to go hunting in Colorado with his brother Pat and step-dad Paul. He was a self taught scratch golfer, earning the name Fairway Frank because he rarely missed the fairway. Frank loved his family, was a faithful friend, had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile.
In hindsight, we can say that Frank began having some issues with his memory but shrugged it off as a part of getting older. After contracting COVID in January 2021, his memory lapses appeared to get worse. We all thought it was "Covid fog" but when he finally sought medical help on April 1, 2021 we found out the doctors suspected CJD. His prognosis was 3 - 6 months. He told his mother, " all these tests may not help me but maybe they will help someone else". Little did we know , that 3 -6 month prognosis dwindled to a short 6 weeks and then he was gone.
His family and friends were there for Frank throughout those 6 grueling weeks. Every day brought a different challenge, forgetfulness, fearful hallucinations, not speaking, loss of eye sight, not eating, good health care, bad health care, and no medication that would change the inevitable as he swiftly deteriorated. He was called home to our Lord on May 14, 2021.
Frank was a kind, caring, and lovable guy- liked by all who knew him. We know that Frank would be saying, "Do not be sad for me, I am in a better place. I pray that you live each of your moments to the fullest and know that family truly is everything!"
As a family we are dedicated to helping other families from experiencing the anguish and helplessness we felt as we watched our beloved Frank succumb to CJD.
Thank you for honoring Frank's life and helping other families who are faced with CJD by helping us raise money for a cure.
So that...NO ONE ELSE has to suffer from this horrible disease!
Kelly Leuschel
