Theodore “Fred” Kormanik, passed away Monday, December 25, 2017, at his home in Barberton, at the age of 94. A life-long resident, Fred was born in Barberton on September 29, 1923  to the late Barbara (Prosuch) and Stephan Kormanik, the last of 11 children.  As a boy, Fred was a local and regional marble champion and barely missed winning the national championship in 1938.  Fred was a graduate of Barberton High School and attended Akron U.  He was a World War II veteran (1943-46) with the 8th Armored Division (Thundering Herd), 18th Tank Battalion, with the rank of T/5 Corporal.  He served as a Lead Radio Operator and translator, earning 3 Bronze Stars.  A humble man, only in his later years would he speak of the war and his role in liberating Mauthausen. He owned and operated Kormanik’s Men’s Wear in Barberton for over 35 years. He was active in the Barberton Jaycees, Elks Club, Rotary and Knights of Columbus. Fred loved to golf, to fish at his cottage in Canada, make wine, play Euchre and play pool at the Senior Center with his friends. He was dedicated to his loving wife and companion, Norma.  He cherished a lifelong friendship with George Ostich and his wife, Gerry.  Fred was kind, generous and compassionate, with a keen sense of humor – he never met a stranger.  He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma (Tschantz); children, Gregg (Pamela) and Deborah (John) Frankovich; grandchildren, Katie Frankovich and Kent (Alyssa); great-grandchild, Lina Louise, and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Following Fred’s wishes, no services will be held.  A private family military ceremony is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Augustine’s Church in Barberton, where he ushered for many years, or Cleveland Clinic Hospice at Akron General.

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