Ronald Edward Frank

Ronald Edward Frank, a decorated World War II veteran, loving father of three and devoted husband to Mary Frances Canil Frank passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023.

Ron, the youngest of eight children was born on November 8, 1924 to George Winfield Frank and Annie Mae Townsend.  He attended Leechburg High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1943 at age 17.

Barely 18 years old, Ron arrived in England in time to participate in the Normandy invasion and served as a rifleman and mortarman on the frontlines in Northern France, Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, and Central Europe.  As the youngest member of D Company, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, Ron was given the name “Junior” by the experienced veterans of his unit.

Despite being wounded on three separate occasions, he declined military recognition to protect his family from notification.  Subsequently, the U.S. Army presented Ron with a Purple Heart in 2011.   Discharged in October 1945, Ron’s military decorations included two Bronze Stars-one with a “V” device for Valor, the French Legion of Honor, five European Theater Campaign Medals, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After returning from the war, Ron met and married the love of his life, Mary, affectionately known to him as “Fa Fe”.  A devoted couple for over 73 years, they were a wonderful example of love and life.  Saved by grace and committed to his faith, Ron was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Leechburg where he was a Deacon and taught Sunday school for many years.

As a pilot of small engine airplanes, he shared his love of flying with his sons, Ronald and Bob.  Ron also enjoyed traveling and camping, singing in a men’s quartet, and spending time with his grandchildren.  Near to our hearts are Pap’s colorful stories of his childhood, his obvious delight at being caught cheating at card and board games, and a spontaneous chorus of “Shine on Harvest Moon” with his wife, Mary.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ron was preceded in death by his youngest son, Robert Frank (Josie), and his siblings Torrence, Bob, George, Clarence, Mae, Leota, and Mary.

Ron is survived by his son, Ronald Frank (Elsie) of Johnstown, Ohio; his daughter, Elaine Ferguson (Joseph) of Leechburg; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, including the little love of his life, Johanna. 

Ron will be dearly missed by his family and with great difficulty we say goodbye to a loving husband, father, grandfather, Soldier, patriot and friend.

Friends will be welcomed by his family on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 111 Siberian Ave, Leechburg, PA 15656.  Military honors will be conducted by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard.  Condolences to the Frank family may be offered at www.clawsonfuneralhome.com; in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church.

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