Paul Michael Sgro

Predeceased by his parents; Johanna Lienerth and Santo Sgro and loving wife of 57 years Trevagrey. Survived by his children; Joseph (Cindy) Schidlowski, Monica (Scott) Fleming, Lynette (Michael) Schaps, and Paul (Amber) Sgro. Grandchildren; Randy Wetherington, Brooke Sgro, Anthony (Victoria) Sgro, Kyle Sgro, Kale Sgro, Abby (Chase) Thompson. Great grandchildren; Leon, Taylor, Capri, Vivianna, Brayden, Cooper. Sister; Dr. Joyce Sgro Hagel-Wright (John). Brother-in-law; Michael Phillips and many nieces and nephews.

Paul started out as a laborer and worked for Austin Co., Turner Co., and Lombardo Bothers in Cleveland, Ohio. As a crane operator, he worked for Mason Structural Steel and All Crane in Cleveland, Ohio.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in Oct. 1961 and received an honorable discharge in Sep. 1967. He was sent overseas to France where his wife traveled to visit him and their daughter Monica was born. When he moved his family to Florida, he had a letter of recommendation from All Crane that stated his skills as a crane operator and that he was highly recommended. He started out at the Phosphate mines and then worked for Misener Marine Construction, Sims Crane, Leware Hill Construction, and Granite Construction. He built many bridges on I-4 Hillsborough and Polk Counties, the Selman Expressway, Clearwater Memorial Causeway, Polk Parkway, at Disney World. He worked on the widening of I-4 at Malfunction Junction and ran tower cranes to build buildings. Paul never said no to work and if it had a key, he could drive it. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18.

Paul also owned the Beverage Castle in Plant City, Florida for several years and did very well in expanding his customer base. He decided to sell his business and go back to being a crane operator.

Besides being known for whatever he built was built to last he loved and cherished his wife of 57 years Trip. She meant the world to him. He loved his kids and grandchildren and if they needed him and he could do it he would. He had a saying, “Once assigned will accomplish.” He liked talking and joking around making people laugh. He strived to be the best provider. He was a giver of time and resources when needed. His greatest love was spending time with his wife, taking her to Disney World, and eating at Mexico since that made her happy.

He enjoyed working outside, the Smoky Mountains, nature, the ocean, animals, fast cars, watching Indy 500 and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flyover. Standing in his front yard would be a tall pole that he would put in himself to fly the American flag. Paul loved God, his family, and his country and he will be greatly missed.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at First Baptist Church Durant, 7225 S. Turkey Road, Plant City, FL 33567 at 10:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Sgro family.