Paul Anthony Gierlach Sr.

Paul Anthony Gierlach Sr., 89, of Franklin, PA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday April 3rd, 2025.

Paul was born on December 29, 1935, in Oil City to the late Joseph and Leocadia "Lucy" (Frak) Gierlach. Paul graduated in 1953 from St. Joseph High School in Oil City.

Paul married Edna (Hartle) Gierlach on February 19, 1955. After 69 years together, she preceded him in death on June 14, 2024. He was truly lost without her by his side, and they are finally together again, laughing, bickering, and loving each other.

Paul was employed for 47 years at Joy Manufacturing of Franklin, in the Engineering Department, and the Assembly Foreman, retiring in 1998. During his time at Joy, Paul got to travel to international locations including South Africa, Australia, and Japan. Paul also worked alongside his son, Paul Jr. at Gierlach Crushing and Contracting for many years, teaching his grandchildren his impeccable work ethic along the way, on the rock crusher.

Paul enjoyed traveling to Florida with his wife and family, bowling, golfing, teaching his grandchildren many skills, riding around on his lawn mower, and building Joy training panels with his sons. Paul was also an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan, even attending some games from time to time in Pittsburgh. In his later years Paul enjoyed gardening and tending to his small greenhouse providing him with his beloved cucumbers. He also loved munching on his favorite snack, salty pretzel sticks and Lay's chips. You would rarely find him without a bowl and bags of each, within arms reach.

Paul was an active member of St. Patrick's Church in Franklin, PA. Attending Sunday mass faithfully when his health allowed. More recently, Sunday Mass came to him at home, including a surprise house full of Christmas Carolers from the Church, which he enjoyed every moment.

Paul is survived by 5 children. Jeanne (Don) Shefchunas, Deb Gierlach, Joe (Ellen) Gierlach, Anna (Jeff) Shorts, and Paul, Jr. (Sandy) Gierlach.

Paul is also survived by three sisters. Cathy Kennedy, of Florida, Diane Jackson, of Franklin, and Martha (Frank) Lutz, of Oil City.

Paul was blessed with thirteen grandchildren- Brian (Juanet) Shefchunas, Christie (Jared) Lambert , Jonathan Slocum, Jason (Missy) Gierlach, Marie Feather, Steve (Amanda) Feather, Rebecca (David) Schwab, Lee (Rebekah) Shorts, Cara Lockhart, Michael Gierlach, Cody(Michelle) Roxberry , Colton Turnipseed, and Brittney Turnipseed.

Additionally, the family includes twenty-three great-grandchildren, and three great-great granddaughters.

Paul enjoyed being with family any chance he got. Just to lend an ear, offer some advice, and on many occasions, lending a hand, or lending out his tools (all engraved with his initials PAG). His large kitchen table was not often empty, as it was the gathering place of the entire family, as was his large swimming pool for many generations. (as long as you didn't get the cement wet) "Papa Smurf" as he was known, will truly and deeply be missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. Monday

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM in St. Patrick Church, 949 Liberty Street, Franklin, with Father James C. Campbell, pastor, officiating.

Immediately following Mass, family and friends are invited for a time of fellowship and lunch in Cenedella Hall at the former St. Patrick School.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to: The Children's Heart Foundation www.childrensheartfoundation.org

For further information, family and friends are invited to visit: www.huffguthrie.com