Paul Edwin Runninger
March 20, 1941 ~ March 15, 2023
Born in: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Paul E. Runninger, 81, of Franklin, passed away on March 15, 2023 at his home. He was born on March 20, 1941, in Lancaster County, to the late Ralph and Louise (Cheers) Runninger.
After graduating high school, Paul attended the State University of New York, at Cobleskill, college of Agriculture & Technology, where he earned his Associate's Degree in Animal Husbandry. He went on to operate the Terra Alta Farm for forty-three years. He loved working on the farm and was immensely proud when they won the Dairy of Distinction Award. Paul also worked as a School Bus Driver for a total of eighteen years.
Paul married the love of his life, the former, Aleta L. Lynn, on August 28, 1965. The couple spent many wonderful years together and raised two wonderful sons. They would have celebrated their fifty-eighth wedding anniversary this August.
He was a longtime member of the East Grove United Methodist Church where he became a member in 1960. He was very involved in the church and especially enjoyed being a part of the "Frog" Program. Paul became a member of the Sandycreek VFD in 1972. He was also very active in the Venango County 4H Programs in his youth and as an adult leader to many. He loved to make wooden toys and give them away to the children. Paul was fond of making model airplanes as well.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife; his sons, Philip D. Runninger and his wife, Cheri of Norton, OH and David E. Runninger and his wife, Kristen of New Brighton; his grandchildren, Lindsay Angel and her husband, Scott of Marshallville, OH, Adam Runninger of Norton, OH, Ian Runninger and his wife, Aly of Strongsville, OH, Noah Runninger of Norton, OH, Matthew Runninger of Norton, OH, Kierstyn Ippolito and her husband, Tarky of Pittsburgh, Tessa Runninger of New Castle, Alexis Pavlinich of Pittsburgh, and Kailee Pavlinich of New Brighton; his great grandson, Everett James Angel; and his sisters, Ruth Prest of Meadville and Dolores A. Pancoast and her husband, Jed of Loveland, CO.
In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his great grandson, Theodore Michael Angel, and his brother-in-law, Walter Prest.
A memorial service for Paul will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at East Grove United Methodist Church, 1167 Belmar Road, Franklin, PA, at 11 am with Pastor Matthew Blake officiating.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either East Grove United Methodist Church, 1167 Belmar Rd, Franklin, PA 16323 and/or Sandycreek Volunteer Fire Department, 624 Congress Hill Rd, Franklin, PA 16323.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Paul's Book of Memories at www.WarrenFH.com.








Paul was a great man. My brother (Tim) and I were next door neighbors and worked on the farm for Paul and his family from the time we were 12 years old. I remember his mother (outstanding cook and farm manager as well) and his dad. He was an outstanding citizen, avid 4-H supporter, and was responsible for my life- long association with 4-H and farming. I showed Paul’s Holstein cows at Venango CO. 4-H Fair. I have passed that knowledge and love of farming along to my daughter and grandchildren as well. He taught me about farming, and he was a professional farmer. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. The entire Runninger family has our sincere condolences.
Paul was a wonderful man he will be missed greatly by all.
I remember going to get milk at the farm with my grandma when I was little. I recall dogs running around outside the little building where they brought in a cow, milked it, and filled the glass containers grandma brought with her.
He was such an asset to Sandycreek Township in so many ways! My condolences to his family.
I had the privilege to get to know Paul as a member of the Board of Directors of Graham Cemetery. Paul was a quiet man at the Board meetings, but when Paul did speak, his words spoke volumes. He will be greatly missed by all the Board members.
June Chekanowsky
The entire Sandycreek community and the East Grove Church Family will be missing a faithful servant. Paul was a quiet, kind man. I remember visiting the farm with my mom to buy milk as a little girl and going into the barn to see the cows. Paul would show me the baby cows and let me pet them and touch their wet noses.
As I got older, I always saw Paul working around the church and helping others. I’m sure he was greeted at the gates with, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Sincere condolences,
Penny Richey Boehm
My deepest condolences to the family. I have very fond memories of going to Terra Alta Farm as a child when we went for milk. Such a wonderful man and family.