Frank A. Kirbus, 89, retired Cleveland teacher, volunteered at Great Lake Science Center

Frank A. Kirbus, who taught in the Cleveland schools for 30 years, volunteered at such public venues as the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Great Lakes Science Center and Playhouse Square.

 The Strongsville resident, who died Feb. 15 at age 89, taught in the Cleveland schools from 1948 until he retired in 1978. He was hired as a substitute industrial arts teacher for for the 1979-80 academic year.

 From November 1980 through August 1982, he worked part-time as a media specialist for the teacher center at .

 In his retirement, Kirbus oversaw hands-on exhibits at Great Lakes Science Center and the World’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park at the International Exposition Center near Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

 He was involved with the restoration of the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square in 1998. He took photos during that time which are posted online at the Cleveland Memory Project.

 Kirbus volunteered at the RainForest and butterfly garden at the Zoo and served as a master gardener for the Ohio State University Extension Service. 

He graduated from Collinwood High School in Cleveland and held a bachelor’s degree from what is now Cleveland State University.

 Kirbus had served in the Army with an anti-aircraft artillery battalion and in the Army Reserves.

 Survivors include his children, Frank Fredrick and Melanie Dunlap; six grandchildren; and sisters, Helen Munn and Ida Belle Gloor.

 Friends may call from 10 a.m. until noon services Saturday, Feb. 19, at , 15822 Pearl Road.

Donations may be made to , 19419 Royalton Road, Strongsville, OH 44149.