Colonel Francis Gerald Sanning, of Atlantic Beach, Florida passed away September 8, 2008. He was born February 3, 1908 in Covington, Kentucky, the son of William F. and Joanne Sanning. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Mary Moran Sanning, who died May 19, 1992, and his brother, William J. Sanning. He is survived by nieces, Patricia Boyd, Mary Jo Herzog, Ann Williams, Gail Cassini and Kathleen Caruso, all of the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area, and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. Of special note are his wonderful friend, Virginia M. Johnsen, of Atlantic Beach, Florida, who managed his care in the last several years of his life, and the ladies who assisted her in that care, notably, Anne Marie Miska and Dorothy McNight. Colonel Sanning was the oldest living graduate of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, class of 1925. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati for a short period and in 1931 received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Commerce. After graduation, he was employed by Cincinnati Bell and in 1938 he received his Professional Engineer's certificate from the State of Ohio. He was employed by Cincinnati Bell for his entire professional career. He served his country in the United States Army in World War II and continued his service after the war in the United States Army Reserves until his retirement March 1, 1968. Colonel Sanning and Mary retired to Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, Florida in 1990. They were Plankowners, those who were the first residents of the Fleet Landing Retirement Community. They were avid golfers and former members of Selva Marina Country Club. Colonel Sanning will be buried with his wife at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Visitation will be held for him on Monday morning, September 15th at the Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery at Galbraith from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 8939 Montgomery Rd., Kenwood. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made in memory of Colonel Sanning to The St. Vincent DePaul Society, 224 5th Street North, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250, or St. Johns Catholic Church, 2400 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233.

Service

Monday, September 15, 2008 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM Gilligan Funeral Home 3734 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati 45226, United States

Service

Monday, September 15, 2008 10:00 AM All Saints Catholic Church 8939 Montgomery Road Cincinnati 45236, United States