Paul J. Schraf, 94, formerly of Columbiana, OH and Beaver Falls, passed away on January 31, 2024 at The Inn at Glenellen in North Lima, OH where he and his wife resided.
One of four children, Paul was born on November 5, 1929 in Altoona, PA to the late Robert and Margaret (Hoelzle) Schraf. Paul was a member of St. Jude Catholic Parish in Columbiana, OH.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, M. LaVerne (Criste) Schraf; together they raised eight children, Karen (Bob) Botte, Lawrenceville, GA, Anita Miller, Gulfport, FL, Dave (Karin) Schraf, Webster, NY, Linda (Greg) Hildebrand, Fredericksburg, VA, Betsy (Jim) Pence, Harrisburg, NC, Paula (Jim) Brown, Canfield, OH, Mike (Susan) Schraf, Harrisburg, PA, Rick (Jody) Schraf, State College, PA; 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Paul served his country in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War. He and his young bride moved to Beaver Falls in 1953 where he worked for over 40 years as a flooring installer. Paul and LaVerne retired to Calabash, NC in 1994 where they lived for over 12 years. During these years in North Carolina, all 8 children, their spouses, and children would travel to Ocean Isle Beach for a week. So many wonderful memories were made during those beach trips, and Paul was happy to tell anyone that walked by that they were all his!
Although he would never tell you, Paul was an extremely talented man, who was also generous to a fault. He was known throughout Beaver County as a master carpet installer whose work was always of exceptional quality. He was also a skilled carpenter as illustrated by numerous home improvement projects he completed at the family home in Beaver Falls, and the countless projects he worked on improving his children’s homes over the years. Upon retirement, he learned a new woodworking skill called Intarsia (the creation of intricate inlays and designs from different pieces of wood). Over the course of 30 years, he made roughly 120 beautiful pieces, which are proudly displayed in the homes of his children, grandchildren, and various friends.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, February 4th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls. www.hillandkunselman.com/obituaries
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 5th at 10:00 am in St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Road, Beaver Falls. Interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patriot Cares, Inc., 986 Tibbetts Wick Road, Girard, OH 44420 https://www.patriotathome.org/patriot-cares