Obituary

Robert N. “Bob” Frantz, 80, of South Beaver Twp., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 7, 2023.

Born December 18, 1942, in McKeesport, Bob was the son of the late Ernest W. Sr. and Virginia (Swanson) Frantz.  A graduate of Elizabeth-Forward High School in 1960, his passion for airplanes led him to the National School of Aeronautics in Kansas, MO where he graduated in 1961. Bob began his career at Eastern Airlines in Chicago, IL in 1962 as a Ramp Serviceman until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in June of 1964. He went through basic training at Fort Knox, KY then proudly served as a helicopter mechanic at Fort Benning, GA; Ui Jong Bu, Korea; and in the Vietnam War at Phu Loi and Saigon.  After his discharge, he returned to Eastern Airlines and was transferred to Pittsburgh, PA in March of 1967.  On April 29, 1967, in Des Plaines, IL, Bob married his first wife, Lorraine J. Bowen who passed away on April 26, 2002, after a long-term battle with cancer. In 1970 while at Eastern, Bob graduated from Technical Training School then advanced to a ground equipment mechanic in March of 1978 until the airline went out of business in 1991.  Bob remained in the transportation industry, moving on to sell boats and work as a boat mechanic until his retirement in September 1999.  On December 27, 2003, Bob married the second love of his life, Martha Ann (Fezell) Pasquale Frantz in Beaver Falls, PA. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Beaver Falls and served as the church council president at Hope Lutheran Church in Beaver Falls for 10 years. In his retirement, Bob’s passion for planes transferred to building, flying, and repairing a collection of remote-control airplanes. He enjoyed his weekly golf games with friends and was a dynamic storyteller, remembering explicit details about his Army days and life experiences. Bob was especially proud to be a Vietnam War veteran.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Ann of 19 years; his stepchildren, Rebecca (James) Machen, Len Pasquale, Jeff (Tammie) Pasquale and Jennifer (Rayner) Blair; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his nephew, Ernest Frantz; and his nieces, Laurie Picone and Kimberley and Melissa Frantz.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Frantz, Jr.

Friends will be received on Monday, July 10^th from 3pm until the time of services at 6pm in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp. (www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com).  Pastor James Inghram will officiate.  Members of the Beaver County Special Unit will meet at 4:50pm at the funeral home to perform complete military honors.

A private interment will take place in the McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery, McKeesport.

In loving memory of Bob, the family asks that contributions be made in his honor to the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 862- PO Box 26, Rochester, PA 15074.