Paul P. Petrarca

1922 - 2021

Paul P. Petrarca, 99 years young, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 11, 1922, in Vandergrift, he was a son of the late Antonio Petrarca and Antoinette (Vernacotola) Petrarca. Paul was a 1941 graduate of Vandergrift High School and proudly served our country with the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he was the recipient of the French Legion Medal of Honor in 2020. He was employed by Joseph F. Finch Company (Schenley Distilleries) as a laborer for many years, retiring in 1971. Paul was also a partner in PPG Restaurant and Bar in Vandergrift. He was a member of St. Gertrude Roman Catholic and its Men's Club. Additional memberships included the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 566, American Legion Post 114 and DAV, all in Vandergrift. He also volunteered with Vandergrift Meals on Wheels. Paul enjoyed wine making, gardening, supporting the Steelers, Pirates and Notre Dame, and playing cards at the former Parks Township Senior Center. He was a snowbird, and spent his winters at a home in St. Pete Beach, Fla. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Frances L. (Ferrero) Petrarca, who passed away June 30, 2007; sisters, Mary Ferrara, Carmella Tatananni, Felicia Trozzi, Lucy Salassa, Amelia Passarelli, Rose Scoccimerra, Ann Laero and Antoinette Macino; infant sister, Felicia; and his brothers, Alfred, Pete, Joseph, Louis and John Petrarca. Paul is survived by his sons, Paul A. (Bernadette) Petrarca, of Vandergrift, and David J. (Judith) Petrarca, of Hilton Head, S.C.; daughters, Karen A. (Cindy) Petrarca, of St. Pete Beach, Fla., and Laura M. (Rick) Peppler, of Oklahoma Borough; grandchildren, Donald Petrarca, Christina (Graham) Ansell, Katherine (Brian) Booth, Michael Petrarca, Matthew (Ashley) Petrarca, Andrew (Laura) Petrarca, Scott Petrarca, Eric Peppler and Mark Peppler; great-grandchildren, Jacob, A.J., Paul, Luke, Jaxon, Norah (and one on the way!), Natalie, Amelia, Alivia and Ava; as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. At Paul's request, there will be no public viewing. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, in St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church, 303 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift, with Father James Loew, OSB, as celebrant. Prior to the Mass, military honors will be accorded by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Vandergrift. Arrangements have been entrusted to the BRADY-CURRAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., Vandergrift. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to St. Gertrude Church or to Vandergrift Meals on Wheels, 167 Lincoln St., Vandergrift, PA 15690. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com.