Joseph F. Beblo Sr., 87, formerly of Crevar Drive, died Tuesday morning at the Sunnyview Nursing Home.

Born in Butler, Aug. 21, 1918, he was one of 16 children of John and Nora Szul Beblo.

He was a retired residential building contractor and built more than 100 homes in the Butler area. He also did numerous home remodeling and renovation projects for Butler County families.

A decorated World War II Army veteran, he served in Central Europe, was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart. On Sept. 28, 2001, he was one of the area veterans that received an award from the French government in recognition of their efforts in the liberation of France during the war. The presentation was held at the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Mr. Beblo was a member of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church. He also was a member of Butler VFW Post 249.

He was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates baseball fan; and he also was an active outdoors sportsmen and especially enjoying hunting and fishing.

Surviving are two sons, Joseph F. (Sandra) Beblo Jr. of Butler and Stephen A. (Dianne) Beblo of San Diego, Calif.; two grandsons, Daniel (Amy) Beblo of Canfield, Ohio, and Scott Beblo of Butler; two step-grandchildren, Michelle Wheelington and her husband, Robert II, of San Diego, Calif., and Brian George of Erie; and a great-grandson, Cole Patrick Beblo.

He also is survived by three brothers and three sister, George, Bernard and Leo Beblo, Mrs. Cecelia Franek, Victoria Beblo and Bertha Beblo, all of Butler.

His wife, Helen L. Frenchak Beblo, whom he married in 1945, died May 22, 1987. Three brothers and six sisters also preceded him in death.

BEBLO — Friends of Joseph F. Beblo Sr., who died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St. Burial, with military honors by the Butler VFW Post 249 Ceremonial Honor Squad, will follow at Calvary Cemetery.Please visit the funeral home Web site at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.