Frank J. Paletta Sr.

He was born March 29, 1926 in Clarksville, a son of the late Giovanni and Mary Sylvester Paletta.

He was a graduate of Patterson Central High School in Patterson, NJ.

Mr. Paletta began his first business in 1949 as an owner of a Texaco gas station. He founded Paletta Sales and Service in Fredericktown and was one of the oldest Ford dealers in Pennsylvania. He operated Tri-State Bumper in Clarksville in partnership with Albert Santella. He was the owner of Continental Nautilus and Racquetball Club in Vestaburg, Giant Food Warehouse in Donora, and the Landmark Lounge in Fredericktown. He operated Global Beer in Fredericktown until the time of his retirement.

Mr. Paletta served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was named a commissioner at large for East Bethlehem Township in 1980.

He was a member of the Clarksville Christian Church, Lodge 237 Free and Accepted Masons in Beallsville, Cole Hanson American Legion Post 391 in Fredericktown, and the Clarksville Area Lions Club.

Mr. Paletta had a great appreciation for his customers and loved to dance.

Surviving are two sons, Frank James Paletta (Dixie) of Rices Landing and J. Jeff Paletta (Diane) of Richeyville; a daughter, Rosemary Paletta of Vestaburg; his companion of 31 years, Phyllis Toporcer of Vestaburg; 5 grandchildren, Lauren Owens (Danny), Erin Fowler (Brian), Cristen Basilone (Joshua), Breanne Scears (Jason), and Jeffrey Paletta; a brother, John Paletta of Carmichaels.

He leaves behind his beloved dogs, DD., Abby, and Misty.

Deceased is a sister, Rosemary Rozema , who had resided in Ridgewood, NJ.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc. 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson where services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2014 with Rev. Geoff Rach officiating followed by entombment in Lafayette Cemetery, Briar Hill. Masonic services by Beallsville Lodge No. 237 will be held at 7:30 pm. Sunday in the Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com .