Frank Paul Plavan Jr.

March 30, 1940 – October 3, 2026

Frank Paul Plavan Jr., 86, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. His was a life distinguished by courage, achievement, service, and an unwavering devotion to family and faith.

On September 7, 1991, Frank married the love of his life, Trena Frances Hardin. Together, they shared 35 years of marriage, building a life grounded on endearing love, mutual respect, and enduring companionship.

Born and raised in Millvale, Pennsylvania, Frank was the son of Frank and Irma Plavan. Growing up in a large, loving family, he developed the discipline, loyalty, and determination that would shape his remarkable life. He was proud of his Croatian ancestry and enjoyed polka music and The Tamburitzans throughout his life. He was a lifelong Steelers fan. Frank was thankful for the years he spent at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church, where he was baptized, served as an altar boy, confirmed, and attended school. He was grateful that he was able to attend North Catholic High School, where he made lasting friendships.

The values Frank learned from his parents and the priests, sisters, and teachers at Church and North Catholic High School carried him from the basketball court to the cockpit, the courtroom, and countless miles on the running trail. His bright blue eyes were the windows through which his warmth, integrity, generosity, and steadfast love poured forth, leaving a deep impression on those who knew him.

A gifted athlete, Frank was a starting guard on the 1958 Pennsylvania state championship basketball team at North Catholic High School, where he earned varsity letters in both basketball and baseball. After high school, Frank graduated from Wheeling College in Wheeling, West Virginia. Throughout his life, he continued to enjoy friendships with many of his classmates. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California at Davis.

Military Service

Frank began his distinguished military career in the United States Air Force in 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Over the course of 30 years of dedicated service, spanning active duty and the Air Force Reserve, he rose to the rank of Colonel.

He served in the elite Strategic Air Command, the Air Force organization responsible for the nation’s long-range bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile forces. As an aircraft navigator during the Vietnam War, he flew aboard B-52 Stratofortress bombers and later C-141 Starlifter airlifters. His service demanded exceptional technical skill, precision, and judgment, as well as the courage and personal sacrifice inherent in military duty. As a member of the Air Force Reserve, he was instrumental in forming the Aerospace Museum of California. Throughout his military career, Frank exemplified an unwavering commitment to his Country and a profound sense of honor and duty.

Legal Career

As he transitioned from active duty to the Air Force Reserve, Frank began his legal career as a Deputy District Attorney in Sacramento, California. He prosecuted numerous homicide and other serious felony cases and served as the Supervisor of the White-Collar Crime Division. He earned a reputation as a formidable litigator whose meticulous preparation, determination, and commitment to justice served both the State and the community.

Frank later joined Sacramento’s largest business litigation law firm, where his legal expertise, leadership, and dedication to his clients contributed significantly to the firm’s growth and success. He rose to the position of Managing Partner, reflecting the confidence of his colleagues and his ability to lead with sound judgment and integrity.

He subsequently joined forces with his wife, Trena, to establish their own law firm, specializing in business litigation. Together, they built a thriving practice distinguished by legal excellence, personal dedication, and an enduring commitment to their clients.

Life, Faith, Family, and Legacy

Frank brought the same perseverance and competitive spirit that defined his professional life to his pursuits beyond the courtroom. An accomplished distance runner, he competed in numerous marathons and ultramarathons throughout his life. He also founded and served for many years as Race Director of the Nugget 50 Ultramarathon, held in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Under his leadership, the race became an important qualifying event for the world-renowned Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run.

He and Trena were active members of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and Holy Cross Church in Sacramento. They travelled on many Catholic pilgrimages. Upon moving to Greenville, South Carolina, they became members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

During his retirement, Frank’s achievements were matched by his generosity and compassion for others. Over the course of 20 years, he devoted countless hours to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, drawing upon his legal expertise, business experience, and practical wisdom to help individuals and families facing hardship. His commitment went far beyond offering advice. Frank gave freely of his time, energy, and talents, approaching those in need with compassion, dignity, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Through his persistence and willingness to serve, he touched countless lives and demonstrated his belief that everyone deserves kindness, respect, and hope during life’s most difficult moments.

Frank was a member of the Organizing Committee for the establishment of The Father Leo McAllister Scholarship Fund, a permanent legacy fund that provides four-year scholarships to Catholic High Schools in the Sacramento area for academically qualified students who lack financial resources.

Above all, Frank cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose love and loyalty remained constant throughout his life. His remarkable accomplishments reflect his determination and abilities, but his generosity, faith, and devotion to those he loved reveal the true measure of the man.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Trena; daughter, Renae Villano (Vinny); son, Matt Plavan (Roxanne); and granddaughter, Marquel Patton (Paul).

He is also survived by his five siblings: his brother, John Plavan, and his sisters Marlene Thomas, Elaine Linkenheimer, Julie Anthony, and Karen Plavan. Additionally, he is survived by niece Katie Plavan, and nephews John Thomas, Michael Thomas, and William Linkenheimer, Jr. Further, he is survived by great-nieces Annie Thomas and Kate Thomas and great-nephews Scott Thomas and Matthew Thomas.

Frank is also survived by his father-in-law, Jack Irvin Hardin; and his sisters-in-law, Annlynne Hardin Farr (Stephan) and Joan Hardin Powell (Ted).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irma Plavan; his mother-in-law, Frances Kirby Hardin; his brothers-in-law, William (Bill) Linkenheimer and William (Bill) Anthony; his sister-in-law Lynn Plavan, and his nephew Kevin Plavan.

Frank leaves a legacy extending far beyond his professional achievements and military service. It lives in the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the people he helped, and the example he set through a lifetime of faith, perseverance, generosity, and service.

Throughout his life, Frank answered the call to serve—with courage in uniform, conviction in the courtroom, compassion toward those in need, and unwavering love for his family.

The family wishes to thank Sara Carter, owner of Peace & Harmony In-Home Health Care, and Blessing Enriquez in Greenville, South Carolina, for their exceptional and loving care.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation will be on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hahn Funeral Home in Millvale, Pennsylvania. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.