Frank S. Grupa, 90, of Dunkirk and St. Columban's on the Lake, died Tuesday morning, November 18, 2014, at the Absolut at Dunkirk. He was born May 1, 1924, in Dunkirk, son of the late Stanley and Constance (Pryll) Grupa.
A veteran of WWII, Frank served with the US Navy as a Torpedo Man aboard the USS New London, USS Capitaine, USS Steelhead and USS Brill. During his service he was awarded the Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, 1 Star, S/M Combat Insignia Pin, and Good Conduct Medal. Frank is a retired employee of the True Temper plant in Dunkirk. His memberships included Blessed Mary Angela Parish Church of St. Hedwig, Kosciuszko Club, First Ward Falcon Club, Moniuszko Club, Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, John T. Murray Post #1017, and the Lakewood Rod and Club.
Surviving are his son, Frank S. (Rene) Grupa Jr. of Dunkirk; stepchildren Kathy (Bob) Kaczor of Sheridan, Darcy (Ray) Christopher of Forestville, and David (Mark) Hawkins of San Diego; grandchildren, and great grandchildren also survive, and especially proud of his grandson who is serving his country with the US Army in Korea. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice (Shilling) Grupa, who died July 15, 1985.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 9:30 AM at the Chapel at St. Columban's on the Lake. Private burial was held in St. Hedwig's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank's memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
You may leave a message of remembrance for the family at www.rmackowiak.com. Arrangements are by the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 East Doughy Street in Dunkirk.
Obituary from the Dunkirk Observer
