Paul J. Falco Park

This 0.74-acre park's namesake, Paul J. Falco, was born to Italian immigrant parents in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1915.

He moved to Columbus after his high school graduation, and attended The Ohio State University until deciding to become trained as an embalmer.

He joined the Army in 1942, was assigned to the Quartermaster Corp, attended Officer Candidate School, and eventually was promoted to Major. He spent time in England, went to Normandy just after D-Day, and became the adjutant for the gasoline supply battalion of the U.S. Third Army in Germany. He was active in the Army Reserve, eventually achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He returned to Columbus in 1946 and with his wife Betty built a home at 1335 Arlington Avenue in Marble Cliff.

His interest changed to real estate and politics after the war, and he was appointed to Marble Cliff Village Council, becoming President in 1954. In 1956, Falco was appointed as Mayor and under his leadership, Marble Cliff significantly increased their tax base by developing the acreage along Dublin Road just south of Fifth Avenue. Falco was instrumental in the negotiations with Grandview Heights for police, fire protection, and city services. He built the Village offices on Fernwood. Falco established a scholarship for high school graduates from the Village, providing college opportunities for many youths.

Following the death of his wife, Falco married Franklin County Treasurer Bobbie Hall in 1990. 

Paul J. Falco (b. 1915 - d. 1996) was mayor of the Village of Marble Cliff for 36 years.    

Falco Park is the site for Grandview Heights High School Marching Band's annual pre-school concert (photo from August 2014 concert).