Paul Sekeras

Paul (Piker) Sekeras, 93, of Natrona Heights, Harrison, died Wednesday, March 9, 2017, at Butler Veterans Administration Hospital, in the company of family. Born in Natrona, he was the son of John and Stefania Sekeras. During World War II, Staff Sgt. Sekeras served in the Army Air Corps, the 487th Bomb Squadron (Med) 340th Bomb Group, as a tail gunner in the B-25 aircraft, flying 67 missions over Italy and France. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with six Oakleaf Clusters, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars and Combat Crew Member Badge, and was awarded a diploma from the Consular Agency of France and a commemorative medal from the Embassy of Greece in recognition of outstanding service. Also, before going overseas, he was a gunnery instructor at Fort Myers, Fla. He was employed as a foreman at Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp., Brackenridge Works for 37 years. Being of the Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Joseph's Parish, Natrona. He was an avid gardener, fisherman, hunter, and enjoyed various sports, but his truest devotions were his family, the VFW and veterans. As a dedicated life member of the VFW, he volunteered services at Post 894, Natrona Heights, holding numerous elected offices, including post commander, and served on the Memorial Squad. He is survived by his daughters, Phyllis Drum, and husband, Bert, and Paula Sekeras, and husband, Dave; his granddaughter, Michelle Croyle; and grandson, Paul M. Sekeras; his brothers, William and Herman (Joy) Schreckengost; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Maria Molnar Sekeras; son, Paul Sekeras Jr.; and daughter, Sylvia Sekeras Croyle; brothers, Stephen, John and Frank Sekeras, and Joseph Schreckengost; sisters, Margaret Merrow, Mary Vartanian, and Julia Karpinski.
Private funeral arrangements were carried out by THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY LTD., Blawnox. Burial will be in Mt. Airy Cemetery, with a military service at a later date.
Donations can be made to Lymphoma Leukemia Society or VFW Post 894 Natrona Heights Relief Fund. www.thomasmsmithfh.com.