Frank "Eddie" Gradisek

Frank E. “Eddie” Gradisek, age 85, formerly of Herminie, PA., eldest son of the 5 children of Frank and Angela Gradisek, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 20, 2023. In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Catherine (Medved), and by his beloved eldest son, Frank M. Gradisek. He is survived by his daughter, Karen(Doug) Budd, who took tender care of him until the end; by his devoted son, Vincent(Beverly) Gradisek who helped and supported him through his illness and by his granddaughters, Elizabeth(Justin) Ross and Sophie Budd, all of Louisville, KY. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Francie Sinan, Florence Gradisek, Thomas(Gina) Gradisek and Philip Gradisek, all of Herminie, PA. He has several beloved nephews and nieces: Maury(Kathleen) Sinan, Tommy Gradisek, Michael Gradisek and Pamela(John) Gradisek Iannitto. In his youth, Frank honed his skill as a leader by being president of Circle 52, SNPJ Lodge #87, Herminie, PA and was a devoted Boy Scout attending many Scout Jamborees and receiving the Marksmanship award. Frank graduated from Sewickley Township High School, Herminie, PA, Class of ’55, proud to be elected Student Council President and to be a member of the Sewickley Township High School Marching Band, playing the clarinet and saxophone. He also enjoyed being part of a small group of teens who played for local events. He especially loved attending the High School Reunions every year and talking to his former classmates, with whom he kept in touch throughout the many years. After high school graduation, Frank attended Penn State University and eventually enlisted for military duty in the 112th Air National Guard Wing out of Moon Township, Pittsburgh, Pa. where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He began workshops for Driver Training Instruction for the men and women in his Wing Group and this encouraged him to begin working his way up in the professional world of Industrial Safety and Security. He accepted his first career position with the Western Pennsylvania Safety Council, whose main office was in Pittsburgh, PA. At that time Federal OSHA laws were just being enacted and he was at the forefront of teaching these federal rules and regulations to the industries located in western Pennsylvania. After several years of organizing and teaching workshops with the Western Pennsylvania Safety Council, Frank was employed by the H.J. Heinz Company in Pittsburgh in the position of Safety Manager. In this position he traveled to many states and to its operations abroad. Also, part of his duties was representing his company in Washington, D.C. at which endeavor he was very successful. He was also employed by Philip Morris USA in Richmond, VA, in the position of Safety Manager. He eventually relocated to Kentucky with Philip Morris USA. He had many employees under his supervision of Safety and Security and many of them have kept in contact with him all of these years. Frank retired from Philip Morris USA in 1993. He was the first president of the Kentucky Governor’s Safety and Health Conference. He was honored in 2022 by the “American Society of Safety Professionals” for his outstanding work in the field of Industrial Safety by offering a College Scholarship in his name, “The Frank Gradisek Safety Professionals Scholarship.” Frank was an organizer and helped to organize the 100th year celebration of the Slovene National Benefit Society’s Lodge 87, Herminie; a large undertaking which Frank loved doing because he was very proud to be of Slovenian descent. As a hobby, he loved to make repairs on automobiles and to analyze what was wrong with engines. He also loved going to car cruises, car shows and watching his favorite TV program, “Ancient Aliens.” He was an integral part of the Gradisek Family and made an impression on all whom he met. He was forever an optimist and recognized the abilities and talents in everyone he knew. Thank you, Frank “Eddie” for being part of our lives. We will love you always. Friends will be received from 4:00pm – 8:00pm on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the Beatty-Rich Funeral Home, Inc. Route 136 Madison, Pa. 15663. Ronald A. Rich Jr. Supervisor / Funeral Director. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Monday, March 27, 2023 at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 120 St. Edwards Ln., Herminie, PA 15637. with Fr. Vincent A. Yee Concepcion officiating. Interment will follow at the Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield, Twp. PA with full Military Honors with the Armbrust Veterans accorded. In Lieu of Flowers the family asks donations to be made to SNPJ Scholarship Fund, 247 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126

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