Donald L. Paul

1934 - 2025

Don Paul, 90, of Derry, PA, beloved husband, Dad, and Pap, passed peacefully into eternal life with his Lord and Savior on June 23, 2025. He was the youngest of five children, born on Nov. 5, 1934, in Loyalhanna, to the late Louis (Luigi Paolilli) and Olive (Bisi) Paul, who raised their family in love, faith, and generosity to others. Don passed those values and priorities onto his family. During the last several years of his life, he was on a mission to ensure that everyone he met knew the importance of knowing Jesus and loving others. Don was a 1953 graduate of Derry Township High School. After graduation, he worked at the Latrobe Brewing Company until 1954, when he was called to serve in the army during the Korean War. Upon his discharge, he married the love of his life, Cookie Petrarca, and returned to the brewery, starting on the line in the bottling shop and working his way to sales manager. He retired after 32 years of service. He was a big sports fan and especially loved Pitt football and golf. He was a member of the Latrobe Elks Lodge #907 and Golf Club for 62 years. Don was proud of his Italian heritage. In 2014, at 82, with his granddaughter Katie, he fulfilled a promise made to his dad and visited Grandpap's homeland of Sulmona, Italy. While we are saddened by our loss, we rejoice knowing that he is with Jesus and reunited with his parents and siblings and their spouses, Bernard 'Bun' Paul (Mamie), Marie Vincze (Joe), Howard Paul Sr. (Catherine), and Adeline 'Nina' Smetak (George). He mourned the loss of his mother-in-law, Ernestine 'Barney' Petrarca; and brother-in-law, Dwain Smith. Don grieved the passing of his nephews, Howard Paul Jr., Barry Vitula (Donna), and Bernie Paul (Kathy); his niece Parece Smith; as well as several good friends including Bill Bisi, Armand 'Gus' Agostinone, Wallace 'Wally' Gazdik, Jimmy O'Toole, and Geano Agostino. Don will be loved and remembered always by his adored and devoted wife of 69 years, Beverly 'Cookie' (Petrarca) Paul; cherished daughter, Cheri Yandrick (Jerome); dearly loved grandchildren, Katie Yandrick (Clive Robinson), Joel Yandrick, Chelsey Lowery (Shaun), and Luke Yandrick; precious great-grandchildren, Logan and Hannah Lowrey; and his cohort in crime and sister-in-law, Cricket Smith. He will be missed by nieces Vonnie Leason, Jeri Klimchock (Lou), Linda Antus (Steve), and Donna Latimer (Roy); nephew Kory Smith; many great and great-great-nieces and nephews; a great-great-great-niece and nephew; and many cousins, including his special cousin Jim Bisi. Don also leaves behind treasured friends, including Jerry Millward, Jim Vesco, Cary Rafferty, Armand Agostinone, and John Goodman. We would like to express our deep and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Victor Bilan, Crystal, and the staff at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center-Independence Health System for their kindness, compassion, and commitment to providing Don with the best possible care. We also want to extend our sincere love and thanks to his nurse, Brandy; physical therapist, Betsy; and aide, Linda, of Excela Home Health, who brought laughter and joy to his life through their selfless service. Finally, thank you to the angels from Excela Hospice, Lisa, Ali, and Chuck, for guiding us through these last days with your gentleness and understanding. God bless you all. Thank you, Don, Dad, and Pap, for a legacy of love that will continue through us. You will be greatly missed and forever remembered. 'Nothing is more important than faith in Jesus and family.' - Don. At Don's request, there will be no visitation. Don was a lifelong member of St. Rose Catholic Church, Latrobe, where everyone is welcome to go directly to attend his funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, with Rev. Ronald Maquinana as celebrant. Private interment will be at Unity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Westmoreland County Food Bank, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements are being handled by the LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.