Paul A. Kranich

Paul A. Kranich Sr. 98, of Sharpsville passed away peacefully on June 18th, 2025, in his home after a brief illness.

Paul was born on February 20th, 1927 to Anna (Zvonik) and Paul A. Kranich in Sharpsville, PA. He was a 1945 graduate of Sharpsville High School where he accomplished great success in basketball. He then went on to continue his athletics at Youngstown College. Paul served in the US Army during the Korean War. On July 3rd, 1954 he married his wife, the late Viola (Higel) Kranich who passed away on January 11th, 2016. Paul worked as a tester for Westinghouse, 35 years until his retirement.

Paul was named All-Mercer County for basketball in 1945. In 1951 Paul helped the Youngstown College basketball team defeat the 10th ranked team in the nation. He also played for the Donegan Raiders, a semi-pro basketball team that competed against some of the top teams in the country. He also found success in baseball. He played for the Sailsburg, N.C. team which was a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. After achieving success of his own on the basketball court he later worked as a referee for 20 years. He was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame on January 23rd, 1999. In January of 2020 he was inducted into the Sharpsville Hall of Fame.

Paul loved Cleveland sports, gardening, and spending time on the golf course, especially the “Dum-Dum” golf course. On August 31st, 1986 he took first place in the Buhl Day Seniors Golf tournament. He also won the Sharon Country Club Father Son Golf tournament in 2003 with his son in law Matt Liburdi.

Paul is survived by a daughter, Leslie (Matthew) Liburdi, sons, Paul (Frances) Kranich, Jeff Kranich, and grandchildren, Mason and Ava Liburdi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Viola, and siblings Emma, Mary, Olga, George, and William.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Helping Hands Hospice and Golden Caregivers.

Friends may call Monday June 23rd, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the SHERMAN Funeral Home & Crematory 2201 Highland Rd. Hermitage, PA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday June 23rd, 2025 at 12:00 pm at St. Joseph Church 79 Case Ave, Sharon, PA 16146 with Father James Power officiating.

Entombment will take place at St. Rose Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Joseph Church Sharon, PA or Buhl Park Golf Course.

Arrangements entrusted to the SHERMAN Funeral Home & Crematory Hermitage, PA. 

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