FRANCIS JOSEPH McCAMLEY

Francis "Frank" Joseph McCamley, 69, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2024. Frank leaves behind his devoted wife of 45 years, Janet, and his beloved children, Brian (partner, Rachel Dolfi) McCamley and Lauren McCamley, both of Queens, New York. He is also survived by his brothers, Brian (Jacinta) McCamley of Dundalk, Ireland, and Fr. Eamonn McCamley of Dungannon, n. Ireland; sister-in-law, Linda (Ron) Robertson of Warren, Ohio; and his cherished nieces and nephews, Emer McCamley, Niall McCamley, Julie Hibbs Wilson, and Bill Hibbs. Additionally, Frank will be remembered by hundreds of former students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Winnie and Eddie McCamley. Born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in 1955, Frank grew up in Armagh City, where he was known for his athleticism and sharp mind. As captain of his county U16 hurling team and a member of his school’s trivia team, Frank’s love of sports and intellectual pursuits was evident from a young age. He attended university and teacher’s training college in Lancaster, England, where he met Janet in 1976 while she was studying abroad. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. After teaching for two years at Lancaster Royal Grammar School for Boys, Frank moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to marry Janet. There, he worked for his dear friend Ted Tsevdos (deceased) before joining Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio, where he would make his mark as a teacher of English literature and writing for nearly 30 years. He also coached track, JV soccer and the quiz team, earning the affection and respect of his students, colleagues, and the broader school community. Frank was a legend at Gilmour, and when the school informed alumni and staff of his illness, he was flooded with heartfelt tributes from former students, parents, and faculty. These letters and messages provided him with great comfort during his final weeks. A lover of sports, Frank played softball and basketball with his friends and was an avid golfer. He was also a voracious reader, a gifted writer, and a passionate trivia enthusiast. In 1995, Frank even appeared on Jeopardy! He was a long-time fan of Cleveland’s sports teams and THE Ohio State University. When multiple sclerosis (MS) diminished his ability to play sports, Frank channeled his competitive spirit into video golf and online trivia, joining the exclusive Learned League for trivia aficionados. Above all, Frank was a deeply devoted father and husband, and a loyal friend to many. His warm humor, kindness, and generosity of spirit made him a cherished presence in the lives of those who knew him. Frank will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on March 8, 2025, at Gilmour Academy, with further details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Frank’s memory to his beloved Gilmour Academy, 34001 Cedar Road Gates Mills, Ohio 44040 or to the National MS Society, PO Box #91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891. The family is being cared for by Jackie Fulford and James Sircy of Young Fulford Funeral Home and Crematory, Tallahassee, FL. 850.610.4444

FRANCIS JOSEPH McCAMLEY

March 18, 1955 - November 5, 2024