Paul Elliot Wharton

Paul Elliott Wharton, 93, of Butler, passed away from natural causes related to dementia on September 28, 2023, while in the wonderful care of Magnolia Place of Saxonburg. 

     Paul was born March 18, 1930, the son of Orin and Hilda Wharton. He graduated from Bellwood Antis High School in 1948. Joining the Navy during the Korean War, he was later discharged in 1953. He graduated from Penn State University graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and later from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master’s degree in Business Administration while working for West Penn Power in Washington.

    He moved to Butler in 1968 continuing his career with West Penn Power moving up in supervisory positions. In 1984, he moved to St. Mary’s/Ridgeway area as Division Manager. Paul retired in 1994 after 35 years with the company and then moved back to Butler in 1999.

     Paul was active in a variety of clubs in all of the cities in which they lived, often holding offices or being on the boards. His biggest commitments were with Rotary Clubs in Florida, St Mary’s, and Butler, and also with the Elks where he was a lifetime member. 

     After his retirement, Paul loved going to Boca Raton, Florida, in the winter so that he could golf year round. He also enjoyed traveling, square dancing, fly fishing, gardening, walking and reading multiple books at one time.

     Paul’s first wife. Lois Hall of Altoona, whom he married in 1955, died in 1982.  In 1984, Paul married his second wife, Ruth McGrath of Butler. She passed in 2021. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Helen Rossi of Tipton, who passed one month before him.

     Survivors include one son, Kevin Wharton of Butler, and three stepsons: Greg McGrath of Reading, Paul McGrath of Georgia and Scott McGrath (Kim) of Texas. He also had three stepdaughters: Kathleen Rutkoski (John) of Butler, Sandi Rishor of Oregon and Denise Stevenson of Alabama. His family circle also includes 16 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Pat Partner of Bellwood and a brother, Joe Wharton of Altoona, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

    A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 11:00 am, at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Chruch, 1660 North Main Street Ext. in Butler.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

     Memorial donations will be respectfully accepted by the Butler Meals on Wheels, 218 East Jefferson Street, Butler, PA 16001.

Arrangements by the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham Street, Butler.

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