Francine A. (Carroccio) Dohanos, 79, of Fremont, OH passed away peacefully at her home, with family by her side on Thursday, August 20, 2020. She was born on November 26, 1940 in Cleveland, OH to Frank and Ann (Markovitz) Carroccio. Her parents then moved to Fremont. She was very proud of her Italian and German heritage. Francine graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1958.
In her Senior year of High School Francine had the lead part in her school play “My Fair Lady”. She started working at Fremont Hardware, which was owned by her parents, in her early teens. She was a cook at the Fremont Eagles Club, eventually becoming the kitchen manager until she retired. Francine also worked part-time for PK’s Catering for twenty-five years.
Francine volunteered for many functions at St. Casimir Church from 1961 until it closed in 2010. She loved to bowl and participated in the Chicago Petersen Classic in 1981. She was an avid sports fan, especially for her children and grandkids. She had fond memories of winning second place with her future husband, Joe, in a Polka contest at a Tex Beneke concert in 1960.
Francine was a member of Sandusky Township Auxiliary from 1968 to 1986, serving as a coffee carrier and held many elected positions. She was an animal lover who loved her grand cats. Francine and her husband, Joe, were delivery volunteers for the area “Meals on Wheels” program for the last five years. She also volunteered for many functions at St. Joseph Catholic Church after St. Casimir closed. Francine was a member of the Confraternity of Christ. She volunteered in the kitchen for funeral lunches at St. Joseph.
Francine and husband Joe also worked as Election Poll workers in Ballville Twp. for many years. Francine and Joe made many vacation trips to Las Vegas over the years. She was an expert draw poker machine player and VIP at the Orleans Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. They had what is known as “A great run” and were “Living the Dream”. She had a very active life and was blessed with having many friends and lots of exciting opportunities.
Francine was very religious and strong willed with a “Heart of Gold”. In her later years she was affectionately known as the “Coupon Lady”.
Francine is survived by the love of her life and BFF Joe of Fremont; brother, Fred (Mary) Carroccio, Findlay; son, David Dohanos, Bowling Green; daughter , Susan (Kevin) Paterak, Medina; granddaughters, Brittney (Justin) Fraley, Brailley (Joey) Blake; grandsons, Derek, Dylan and Devon Dohanos; four great grandchildren; former daughters-in-law, Kelly Dickman and Jody Dohanos.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael; infant daughter, Theresa and twin brother, Frank Carroccio, Jr.
Visitation: Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH 43420.
The use of face masks is required while indoors at all services. Social distancing will be observed throughout all services with wait times taking place outdoors. If you would prefer, you may express your condolences at www.whhfh.com or call the funeral home at 419-332-6409 to request that your name be signed in the guest book.
Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, August 27, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St, Fremont, OH 43420.
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery
In lieu of flowers the family requests that any memorials be made to the Sandusky County Humane Society, the Fremont Senior Center-Meals on Wheels or St. Joseph Church in Francine’s honor.
View Francine’s Memorial Video
Offer Condolences for the family of Francine A. Dohanos
Print Obituary & Condolences 
Monica Hampsher Heath
Sending Prayers and huggs to Joe and family There is so many great and fond memories with you all and with Steve and Lizzie and my Mom and Dad. Bill and Sid
Jenny Wilheln
To the Dohanos family:
So sorry about the loss of Francine, what an amazing lady she will be missed. You all will all be in my thoughts. Remember all the happy times with her to get you through the difficult day.
Jenny Wilhelm
Elaine Garvin
Dear Joe, I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. Be grateful for all the happy memories you shared…God’s arms around you. Elaine Smith Garvin
Bill and Sandy McHenry
Susan and Kevin, so sorry for the loss of your dear mom, we know how much she meant to you. What a beautiful tribute to her, her personality shines through. Sending our most sincere condolences. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Swint
My deepest condolences to Joe and family from a St. Joseph’s ‘58 classmate. Especially enjoyed being Francine’s Briarwood condo neighbor. Will greatly miss our talks and bike rides together. Prayers and best wishes for strength and peace during this hard time.
Kathleen Swint
Judy Scharff
To all of Francine’s family , so sorry to hear of her passing. In reading Francine surely left no stone unturned! I am a classmate of her and I remember how she always had a smile on her face. She was so pleasant to be around.
To let you know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely , Judy Gabel Scharff.
Sue and Jim Hammer
Joe and family, sending our prayers and condolence. It was always warm feeling seeing you two smiling faces coming to church together. She will be missed. May she rest in Peace with the Lord.
Diane Varner
Joe and Family, so sorry to hear of Francines passing. Loved having you for my neighbor on Northcrest, Francine was a great friend to me and my family. Love and prayers
Teresa Wright
Susan and Kevin. So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. May you find peace in all the precious memories you shared with her. She is now home with her almighty Father. God bless you both and her family.
Dolores Reardon
So sorry to Joe and all the family to hear of Francine’s passing
Gail Lorentz
Dear Joe and family, so sorry to hear of Francine’s passing. I recall the outstanding performance she gave in our class play – My Fair Lady. I also remember her great smile and genuine concern for others.
May your wonderful memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Gail Bowlus Lorentz
Ashlee Tyler
My thoughts and condolences to Francine’s family and friends.
Melissa Wasserman
My deepest sympathy to all of you I have many fond memories with all of you she was a kind and loving person and will be greatly missed
Patricia Heyman
Joe and family, keeping you all in our prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Deacon Jim & Pat Heyman
Kevin Kowel
Deepest sympathies for your loss. I always enjoyed hearing the Vegas stories from Joe.
Julie O'Brien
Susan,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie O’Brien
Charles Schwab
Jon Brough
Joe, so sorry for your loss. We had some great Memories back with Sandusky Township Fire Department ( softball, Conventions, EMT runs, Chicken BBQ, to mention a few).The women were always there to back us up.
I will never forget how Francine was trying to teach me how to cook Italian! I still use some of her recipes!
Jon & Kathy Brough
Julie Kupka-Brown
Joe and family,
Our deepest condolences to you all! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we’ll treasure all the memories we’ve had of Francine from the St. Casimir days to the crazy/busy days of work at PK’s! Love and prayers,
Dave and Linda Kupka
Steffen and Julie Kupka-Brown
Kathy
Susan,
Please know that I am praying for you and your entire family. I know your Mom is now without pain and suffering and resting peacefully in Heaven. Sending lots of love and hugs.
Howard Stierwalt
Joe and family so sorry to hear of Francine’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing her in the office. My deepest condolences. Howard Stierwalt
Roy and Marty Wilhelm
Sorry to learn of the passing of Francine. She was a special lady in a special family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.