Paul Ralph Franatovich Sr.

On Thursday April 23, 2020, Paul Franatovich Sr., loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 88. He was the cherished husband of Dorothy Mae Lopez Franatovich for 62 yrs. Dorothy was his only true love, his sweetheart, his honey. Paul was on his way to meet up with the guys, when walked past a watermelon stand where Dorothy worked. He took one look of her beautiful smile and the rest is history.

He lived a life devoted to the Lord, his wife, children, extended family and even many good friends. In the midst of the Covid-19, Dr Izan (Tulane Hospital) made it possible for him to be surrounded by his loved ones in his home on his last days. He was the loving father of Paul R. Franatovich Jr., Ernest Franatovich (Debbie), Darryl Franatovich (Ellie), Lisa Franatovich Glaser,(Bendon) and the Late Danny Franatovich (Betty Kay). He was the son of Nick Franatovich, Louise Seguy, and the stepson of Myrtle Franatovich. He was the proud grandfather of Amanda Franatovich

(fiancé, Herman Murrell), Steven Franatovich (Tricia), Mitchell Franatovich (Sarah), Chad Franatovich (Ashley), Amy McCranie (Paul-Trey), Candice Johnson, Lisa Walsh (Darrel), Jose’ Garcia(Vickie Garza), Danielle Hendrix (Carey) Jeremy Ashinhurst and Heather Ashinhurst. Also, survived by 28 great grandchildren that he was so Proud of. Paul shared a special love with all his siblings. Albert Franatovich, Earl Franatovich, Raymond Franatovich, Harrold Franatovich, Ronald Franatovich, Cheryl Franatovich, Nick Franatovich Jr. He will be dearly missed by his only surviving brother, Harry Franatovich, whom he loved with all his heart. Rita Lopez Taylor and his many nieces and nephews whose lives he affected in many ways will also miss Paul.

Paul had salt water running in his blood. He loved to be on the water, in his boat fishing, trawling and crabbing. He loved to take his family camping, swimming at the lake front and even crawfishing in ditches of lower St. Bernard. When all the boats where pulling into to the launch empty on a rough day, they would wait around for Paul to pull in and sure enough, his boat was always full. He always did very well in his favorite spot, Paul’s Point. Paul was a proud member of the United States Navy where he served on the U.S.S. Missouri (Mighty Mo) during the Korean War. Paul was also a member of Local 60, where he had just received his 50 years of service pen. He was a resident of St. Bernard Parish for most of his life. Paul was a member of Our Lady Prompt Succor Church and St. Bernard Parish Counseling on Aging. In his younger days, Paul was member of St. Robert Bellarmine Church and the Carolyn Park Booster Club where he volunteered his time coaching football. He was very proud of his community. He loved his neighbors. He especially loved the young boys and girls in his neighborhood. He has made such an impact on them that most of them still refer to him as Unc. Or Uncle Paul. He loved you all. Although, he was a very humble man his family takes great pride when hearing stories of how Paul saved several of his neighbors, wives and children off their rooves during Hurricane Betsey. He was our Hero, and will be greatly missed. A memorial and celebration of life will be held in Paul’s honor as soon as we are allowed to congregate.