Patrick Franus

AUSTINTOWN - A celebration of life will be held at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, for Patrick A. Franus, 79, who passed away peacefully at Hospice of the Valley with his family at his side.

Patrick was born Nov. 18, 1938, in Ellwood City, Pa., a son of Aloyious and Patience Franus, who preceded him in death.

Patrick was a 1957 graduate of Lincoln High School and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1961 as a supply specialist and a survival instructor. His assignment in Fairbanks, Alaska, left quite an impression on Patrick, and he later settled there after his honorable discharge from the Air Force.

Patrick lived in Alaska for 47 years, and eventually retired in 2004 as a Master Craftsman & Shop Supervisor for the U.S. Army. While in Alaska, Patrick held many positions during his employment, including jobs with the Teamsters, State of Alaska, and NASA.

Patrick’s wealth of knowledge and skills made him a desirable employee and valuable resource to all who worked with him. After retiring, Pat took residence back in his hometown of Ellwood City. Patrick met his wife, Carole, in 2009 and they were married in 2010. This union brought him to her hometown of Austintown.

Patrick loved to travel and was an adventurous outdoors man who loved hunting, fishing and archery. He was a creative woodworker and received many awards of accomplishment. Alaska gave him the perfect environment to partake in his passions and was a place he held near and dear to his heart, just like the lifelong friendships that he formed with Rick Wagner and Gene Garwood. Patrick will forever be remembered for his smile that would light up a room and his willingness to help others no matter what.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Carole A. Brown-Franus (Cygan); children Patrick (Rusty) Gesin, Tony Gesin, JulieAnn McDougall, Sherri (Clint) Doney, Shawn Franus and Shara Franus; step-children Jason (Nannette) Tibolla, Gregory (Amy) Tibolla and Matthew Brown; grandchildren Darin Gesin, Lilly Gesin, Savannah Orders, Raquel DeMeyer, Caley Doney, Kailyn Tibolla, Nicholas Tibolla and Mattie Tibolla; great-grandchildren Michael, Shayla and Quinn; a niece, Kimberly Johnson; and nephew Patrick Osborne.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Osborne; son Darin Franus; daughter Sheila Yehle; and former wife Peggy Franus.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 5, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel from 2 to 3:30 p.m. with a service to begin at 3:30 p.m.