Paul Leonard Petrak, 89, of Gibsonia, PA, formerly of Melbourne, FL passed away on July 21, 2024 of natural causes. He was born January 20, 1935 in Ellwood City, PA, son of the late Joseph Petrak and Mary (Strobel) Petrak.
Paul died on “he and Viv’s” wedding date. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Vivian Jane (Colmery) Petrak, along with his parents, a grandson, Samuel Markantone, as well as brothers, Robert Strobel, Joseph Petrak, William Petrak, Lawrence Petrak, Albert Petrak and sisters, Margaret Petrak, Agnes Redenshek, Claire Shirey, Rose Nocera and Regina Thompson.
He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Scott (Diane) Petrak, Coral (Lucas) Markantone, Jay (Patti) Petrak and his 7 grandchildren and their spouses Carissa (Micah) Larson, Micah (Talia) Markantone, Emily (Kirk) Russell, Rachel (Zack) Arnold, Logan (James) Bing, Taylor Petrak and Ryan Petrak, and 9 great grandchildren, Valerie Petrak, Asher Russell, Isla Russell, Asa Larson, Joshua Larson, Lydia Larson, Clara Markantone, Luisa Markantone and Lucy Arnold. Paul is also survived by his two sisters, Joan Mansell of Wampum and Jane Petrak of Beaver Falls and brother & sister-in-law, Sam & Charlotte Colmery of Aurora, Ohio.
Paul graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. He began his career in the US Army working on airstrips helping to put “drones” into the air. After 2 years of service for “Uncle Sam”, he worked, owned and operated the old Mobil Gasoline Station on 1st Street, Ellwood City, then selling it to become a salesman for Freeman Buick Pontiac Dealership, finally buying the dealership with his partner, Jack Montgomery from Brice Freeman.
Paul was a long-time member of the North Sewickley United Presbyterian Church and the Ellwood City Lions Club. He was a member of the Connoquenessing Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf. Upon retiring with Vivian at age 47, they moved to Florida where he lived for 39 years and also enjoyed playing golf, biking and swimming daily. Paul was the only golfer who achieved 7 “hole-in-ones” at Palm Bay Golf Club. Many of his Florida friends became family and would often call to check up on him when he moved back up north.
In 2019, Paul moved back to Pennsylvania making many new friends at St. Barnabas Independent Living of Gibsonia. His favorite hobbies were reading and walking, along with being an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirate fan. Many who knew him said he always had a smile and was willing to help assist anyone who needed it.
There will be a private family service held at a future date. The family is very grateful to all the special friends in Florida, caregivers at St. Barnabas Community and all who knew him, loved him and have shared their memories of Paul.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.co