Paul Anthony Wasylina was born in Rochester, New York to Paul Anthony Wasylina Sr. and Josephibe Naliwaska on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1944. Paul was admitted to Methodist Hospital on July 12, 2020 and died on Thursday, August 27, 2020.
Paul attended school in Rochester and earned his G.E.D. while proudly serving in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois, Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas and Pease AFB near Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Paul worked for Mangurian’s in Rochester, N.Y. He continued in the flooring business in Atlanta, Georgia then moved to Arlington, Texas to work for Goode Inc. In Houston, Texas he worked for Gaines Carpet Country. He started his own company, Custom Floors, in 1983. At last he found his true vocation and avocation, working in the emergency room at Texas Children’s Hospital for over thirty years.
Paul was a unique Ukrainian Catholic Cowboy when he met Alice (Midyett) Paramore. She was a staunch Methodist and nurse/paramedic. They compromised, blended their families, and were married at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas on October 22, 1983. They chose to have no stepchildren, only children of their hearts. Theirs was a marriage based on love and honesty.
Paul had a passion for cooking; Ukrainian, Polish, Italian and Jewish foods. When he became a Texan he added Wild Game, BBQ, and Southern cuisine to his culinary repertoire. He captured Alice on their first date by serving the perfect Steak and the perfect Lobster. His family joyfully learned to make Varenyky (Pierogi) and Holupki (Holishkes). They spent many summers at the Folk Life Festival in San Antonio, Texas demonstrating Pysanky (the art of Ukrainian egg decorating) and introducing Texans to Ukrainian cuisine. Paul was also a member of the Woodworkers Club of Houston. He and Alice were long time members of the Houston Rose Society and the American Rose Society.
In 2003 Paul was introduced to Bill Wilson and they were friends for seventeen years. Paul credits this relationship with saving his life. Paul was also grateful for Lois Wilson.
Despite the many obstacles Paul faced in his life, he had a happy and positive attitude. He will be missed for his bad Dad jokes and puns. Mostly he will be missed for his capacity to love those around him unconditionally.
Paul was preceded in death by his brother Phillip, his parents, his Uncle Peter and Aunt Anne Wasylina, stepbrother Robert Kowalski and his wife Cynthia; and stepmothers Rose (Bianchi) Wasylina and Bernice (Zach) Wasylina. Paul lost his beloved son, John Michael Paramore in 2010.
Paul is survived by Alice, his wife of 36 years and leaves behind a legacy of children: John Paul Wasylina, Robert Anthony Wasylina (Tamara), Felicia Arlene Wasylina Byrd (Daniul), Kathelene Ann Paramore Weiss (Richard), Jeffery Philip Wasylina, Jason Michael Wasylina (Danielle) and Lori Michelle Paramore Younggren (Tracy); and Grandchildren: Dakota Rue Wasylina, Daniul Lee Byrd, Christopher Michael Byrd (Ruby), Zachery Wayne Younggren, Z Younggren and Tristian Michael Wasylina. Paul is also survived by his step- brother Edward Kowalski (Barbara) and the mothers of his children Joan Jager and Susan Dayton.
The family appreciates the loving friendship and support from Dan Weber, Lynn Brown, Lois Bunton, Santos Hernandez and Tanesha Bracy. The extraordinary care given by Doctors Elie Saber, Patricia Salvato and Joanne Oakes is greatly appreciated.
Paul requested that Memorial Donations be made to Memorial Hermann Foundation/Prevention and Recovery Center (PaRC), 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, Texas 77024.
Graveside services are at 2:15 pm on Monday, September 14, 2020, at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas. Masks are required.
We now release Paul to continue on his spiritual journey.
“This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24.
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