John Rapach
John Rapach, 89, of Fredericktown, PA died Sunday, January 16, 2011 in Munhall, PA at the home of his daughter, Donna, where he made his home and who cared for him in recent years.
He was born July 23, 1921 in Brownsville, PA, a son of the late Paul and Mary Butka Rapach.
Mr. Rapach was a 1939 graduate of East Beth High School.
He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in WWII as a PFC from 1942 to 1946 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre including the Southern Phillipines, Luzon and New Guinea. For his service, he received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Ribbon, Purple Heart and World War II Victory Medal.
With over 40 years of service, Mr. Rapach retired in 1983 from Republic Steel/Clyde Mine, where he was an underground coal miner.
He was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church of Fredericktown, where was also an usher.
Mr. Rapach was a member of the Hanson Cole Post 391 American Legion of Fredericktown, the VFW, the United Mine Workers of America, Beth Center Senior Citizens and Black Diamond Golf League and bowled at Tan-o-bell Lanes in the Mixed Couples Senior League.
Surviving are two daughters, Donna Getsy (Donald) of Munhall, PA and Patty Giovanelli of Scenery Hill, PA; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Bradley, Kimberly Getsy, Heidi Getsy, John Giovanelli, Lance Getsy, Katie Pugh and Luke Getsy; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ellen Krause of East Lake, OH; one brother, Paul Rapach of Powell, OH and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased in addition to his parents are his wife, Janet M. Chupella Rapach, who died June 3, 2007; brother, Michael Rapach and son-in-law, John Giovanelli.
Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. in the GREENLEE FUNERAL HOME, 42 Bank Street at Crawford Road, Fredericktown, PA, where Prayers will be said at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 20, 2011, followed by a 11 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michael’s R.C. Church, Fredericktown with Rev. Paul Grunebach as celebrant.
Interment will be held in Greene Co. Memorial Park, Waynesburg, PA.
Full Military Rites will be accorded by the Fredericktown American Legion Post 391.
A Parish Vigil will be held at 7 P.M., Wednesday in the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to, St. Michael’s R. C. Church, P.O. Box 638, 21 Bank Street, Fredericktown, PA 15333 or Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15343.
On line guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.