Final Salute

Julius J. Franks, 98, passed away Friday, October 18, 2024, with his brother Ralph at his side, in Addison House in Uniontown. He was born July 18, 1926, in Uniontown, a son of Ralph and Mary Franks.

Julius proudly served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific as a member of the SeaBees during World War II.

He was a dedicated post commander of VFW Post 47, Uniontown, several times from 1968-1992. As an active member, he served meals and snacks for many years to local youth who marched in the annual parades. Julius had a lifetime membership to the Veterans of Foreign Wars for his many years of volunteer service, and also belonged to the Hopwood Amvets.

Julius worked for the U.S. Post Office in Uniontown for 37 years and served as an usher for St. Therese’ Church for 40 years. He also played third base for the St. Therese’ baseball team and was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan. Along with his special friend, Kassie DeWalt, he was an active member of the Uniontown Senior Citizens Center, where he was a member of the Grandma Honeys dance group. With his fun-loving and outgoing personality, Julius made many friends throughout the years.

He was predeceased by his parents; and by his wife of 35 years, Wanda Franks; along with his brothers, Louis and Patsy Franks, and Judge William J. Franks and wife Lena; as well as a sister, Sara J. Franks- Petro and husband Patsy Petro; a niece, Regina Franks, all of Uniontown; and a nephew, James Grossman of California.

Julius is survived by his brother, Ralph C. Franks and wife Monica of Uniontown; nieces, MaryAnn Grossman of the state of California, Patty Gulino (Sam) and Paula O’Connell (Dan) of Uniontown, and David Franks (Donna, Christina, Jaxon) of Indiana; and special, loving companion, Patty Prusak of Uniontown. He is also survived by great-niece, Amanda Kalin (Ian); and great-nephews, Michael and Anthony Gulino, and Dante (Carly) O’Connell; great-great-nephew, Trystan Kalin; and great- great-nieces, Talia and Elody Kalin.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Addison House, and the doctors, nurses and staff of Amedisys Hospice, who gave him wonderful care.

Julius never met a stranger, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 22, in the GATES FUNERAL HOME, 136 N. Gallatin Avenue, Uniontown. Parish wake service will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Prayers of Transfer will take place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 23, in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St Therese’ Church, 61 Mill Street, Uniontown. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Uniontown.