Paul W. Franz of Farrell, PA passed away at 6:05 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012, in his home. He was 88.

Mr. Franz was born September 16, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio a son of the late Paul and Sarah Gunther Freytag Franz.

He moved to Farrell as a child and was a 1941 graduate of Farrell High School.

He then served with the US Army during WW II in the European Theater as a rifleman and interpreter. A decorated veteran, he was the recipient of many citations, including the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Unit Badge and the African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars. Following his honorable discharge, Paul returned home and married the former Sandra Marie 'Sunny' Tona on March 30, 1946 in the former St. Anthony's Church in Farrell.

He was employed for a brief time at the former Carnegie Steel and the Malibu Works, both Farrell, before working as an inspector at General American Transportation Corporation's former Masury plant for more than twenty five years. A hard worker, he was also a carpenter for local contractors for many years.

Paul was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon, and the Saxon Home in Farrell. He was a volunteer for many years with Meals on Wheels at the church and a member of the Saxon Home Retiree's Club. He was also a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post # 5286; and the Italian Home, both Farrell. Paul was an avid gardener; a fan of the New York Yankee's and Pittsburgh Steeler's; and enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles. He will be remembered by many for his delicious sausage he made during the holidays.

Surviving are: a daughter, Paula J. Cica and her husband Marc J., Hermitage; a son, Stephen R. Franz and his wife Colette, Brookfield, Ohio; three grandchildren, Amanda (Cica) Bailey and her husband Bryan, Hermitage; Matthew Franz and his wife Vicci, Allison Park section of Pittsburgh; and Stephen Franz and his wife Melanie, Sharpsville; three great grandchildren, Luca, Giovanna and Angalina Franz; and a sister-in-law, Selma Freytag, a resident of St. Paul Homes in Greenville.

Besides his parents and wife, Paul was preceded in death by two step-brothers, John and Andrew Freytag.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Meal on Wheels, both 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146.

Family will receive friends from noon until the time of service on Friday, June 1, 2012, in Christ Lutheran Church, Sharon.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2012, in the church with the Rev. Ronald Hartman, pastor, officiating. Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, with military honor's rendered by the Farrell VFW Honor Guard and assisted by the West Middlesex VFW and the Wheatland American Legion Honor Guard.

Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.