Harry E. Rial

| March 5, 2018

Harry E. Rial, Jr., 92, a resident of Rocky Grove Avenue, died peacefully on Saturday, March 3, 2018, in UPMC-Northwest in Seneca; following a period of declining health.

He was born Mar, h 19, 1925 in Franklin, a beloved son of the late: Harry E. and Rose Eckel Rial.

Harry proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army. He earned rank of Technician 5th Grade, having served with Battery C of the 278th Field Artillery Battalion. For service to his country, he was awarded: The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, The American Theatre Service Medal, The Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Following his honorable discharge from active duty, Harry had worked for more than 40 years as a machinist at the former Joy Manufacturing Company of Franklin. He retired from Joy in March of 1988.

Mr. Rial was a lifetime member of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, where he had served as a former board member and was the longtime former Chairman of the annual Rocky Grove Fireman’s Fair.

He was a lifetime member of Jesse Greer Post #1835 V.F.W. of Franklin and was a longtime member of the Venango County Fire Police.

Mr. Rial enjoyed woodworking, as he was able; and had formerly owned and operated his own lumber yard for many years in Rocky Grove.

He was a member of St. Patrick Church in Franklin.

Harry was married October 5, 1951, to the former Etta Jean Heckard, who preceded him in death September 24, 1993.

He is survived by his sons: David Rial and Richard Rial and his wife Patricia, all of Rocky Grove and by his daughter, Nancy Wheeler and her husband Hudson of Polk; in addition to three grandchildren: Christopher Rial and his wife Nicole, Rebecca Paronish and her husband Michael and Michael Williams and his wife Brandy and by his great-grandson, Isaac Paronish.

Harry was the last surviving member of his immediate family, but is also survived his longtime special friend, Jean M. Ballard of Franklin and by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters: Kathryn Braymer, Florence Dye, Ruth Cummings and Rosemary Eakin, two brothers: James and Francis Rial and by his brother-in-law, Robert Heckard and wife, Harriet.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no public visitation.

Private funeral services with Full Military Burial Rites accorded by the V.E.T.S. Funeral Honor Guard of Franklin will be conducted at the convenience of his family.

Interment will be made in Franklin Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be directed to either: The Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, St. Patrick School, 952 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323, The V.E.T.S. Funeral Honor Guard of Franklin, P.O. Box 137, Franklin, PA 16323 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk Street, Franklin.

Please visit: www.hartlefuneralhome.com for further information and to leave a note of condolence.


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Category: Obituaries