Col. Paul Andrew Platek

Col. Paul Andrew Platek – USA Retired: Age 82, of McCandless, formerly of Robinson Township, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Paul was born in Pittsburgh on August 8, 1941, a son of the late Andrew & Helen Platek. Beloved husband of 55 years to Ruth Elaine Cardone Platek. Cherished father of Paula Lynn (Troy) Lewis. Brother-in-law of Richard Cardone. Paul graduated from North Catholic High School and then Duquesne University with a B.S. in Business Administration and Master of Liberal Arts. Paul served his country in the Army and Army Reserves for over 30 years where he rose to the rank of Colonel from which he retired on July 1, 1991. In the Army, Paul added to his education by attending the Command & General/Staff College Army War College.  He received The Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon and Distinguished Service Award. He belonged to the Reserve Officers Association, Military Order of the World Wars, Association of the US Army, Senior Army Reserve Commander Association, Member of the Board of Managers for Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Allegheny County War Veteran Societies, Catholic War Veterans and Korean War Veterans. With his vast experiences, he was compiling a book of Military Monuments, which contains over 2000 entries to date.  Besides his distinguished Army achievements, he worked his way to Senior Accountant with U.S. Steel. A history scholar, he enjoyed books and TV presentations on past occurrences throughout the world. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening.  Friends will be received at R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 981 Brodhead Rd on Sunday, October 29th from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 pm. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, October 30th at 10:15 am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, St Joseph Church at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s name can be made to the Soldiers & Sailors Hall, 4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

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