Francis A. Kravetz

Of Chalfant, age 91, on Friday, August 7, 2015.

Beloved husband of the late Anne (Cerjanic) Kravetz for 68 years and who died just 4 months ago on March 31, 2015.

Loving and dear father of Robert F. “Rock” (Andrea) Kravetz of Monroeville, Cheryl (Ed) Werle of Jones Mill and Lynne (Ed) Hartnett of Champion.

Cherished and admired grandfather of Robert F. “Rocky” (Nina) Kravetz of DE.

Treasured “Bonus Grandfather” of Ben Werle of Seattle, Mark (Emily) Werle of Harmony Twp. and Anna Werle of Lawrenceville and “Bonus Great-Grandfather” of Alivia, Gabe and Alaina.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, George and Susan (Salata) Kravetz and his stepmother, Susan (Kollar) Kravetz.

Frank was a proud WW II combat veteran serving honorably as a Staff Sgt. with the Army Air Corp, as a B-17 gunner, Mighty Eighth, 457^th Bomb Group. He was severely wounded in action on November 2, 1944 becoming a prisoner of war.  Interred at Nuremberg, Stalag XIIID, Frank was liberated from Moosburg, Stalag VIIA on April 29, 1945. Frank was a Purple Heart Recipient, which he was awarded on June 21, 1949.

He was a Charter Member & Past Commander, East Pittsburgh VFW Post 5008 and served as the National Director Service Officer of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.

Frank was also a Past President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.

He was inducted to the Southwestern Veteran Center Hall of Fame in May 2006 and was a Jefferson Award Nominee in September, 2012

Frank told his amazing life story as the author of ‘Eleven Two; One WWII Airman’s Story of Capture, Survival and Freedom’ which was released in 2010.

Frank was a longtime resident of Chalfant Borough and was retired from Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Churchill site. In 2014, Frank was presented the Charley Ruch Lifetime Achievement Award from Westinghouse SURE.

A lifelong Steeler & Pirate Fan, he also enjoyed gardening, visits to casinos, travel and attending patriotic events of any kind.

Frank’s life passions were twofold:  his family and his service to his fellow Veterans. Frank was well known for his many efforts to secure benefits for veterans which they rightfully deserved.

Friends welcome Sunday and Monday from 2-8 pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home, 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, 412-824-8800.

Mass of Christian Burial in St. Maurice Church, Forest Hills, on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Frank will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Wednesday at 1 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA 31322 (www.mightyeighth.org) or to Friends of Andersonville, Attention: Andersonville Trust, National POW Museum, P.O. Box 186 Andersonville, GA 31711. http://www.nps.gov/ande/getinvolved/supportyourpark/joinourfriends.htm

Frank’s family offers special thanks to the caregivers at Concordia of Monroeville.

Dad, you were brave, kind and generous with warmth to others.  You are our hero.

Now you’ve folded your wings and met your sweetheart in heaven. 

Rest in peace, you’ve earned it.

We will live our lives in the freedom you helped secure for all of us.