Paul S. Kowalski | Behm Family Funeral Homes

Paul S. Kowalski

November 17, 1949 - December 2, 2020

Paul S. Kowalski age 71 of Perry, died of natural causes on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. He was born November 17, 1949 in Garfield Heights, the son and 2nd born of what would be five (5) children of Peter and Celia (Recko) Kowalski. Paul graduated from Benedictine High School in 1968 and attended Cleveland State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. Mr. Kowalski was a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio. He married Loretta Conley on January 21, 1981.
Paul began his professional career working for the Ohio EPA. He then worked for Cleveland Electric Illuminating/Centerior/First Energy Corporation for over 36 years in the power generation side of the business. Prior to retiring in 2016, he was a Project Manager at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant. Paul loved skiing and was formerly a member of the Ski Patrol at Alpine Valley. Throughout the years, he loved spending time with his family and took great interest in all of his sons’ extracurricular activities and sporting events. He coached many of their youth leagues teams and never missed an event throughout their high school years. He was a proud grandfather to his grandson, Benjamin. Paul enjoyed being outdoors and working in his yard and surrounding woods. When not working in the yard, you could often find him sitting on the back deck watching the birds at the feeders he strategically placed nearby. Paul was an exceptional sailor and enjoyed over 50 years sailing on Lake Erie. While he sailed competitively for many years and was quite successful, Paul most cherished the camaraderie he found in sailing and the many relationships he formed through his passion for sailing. Paul’s kindness and generosity were demonstrated by his dedication to donating blood to the Red Cross. He donated an amazing 31 gallons over his lifetime which equates to 744 blood products used to save and improve people’s lives. Paul also loved animals of all types and made many dogs and cats members of the family during his lifetime.
Paul recently became a member of the Irish American Club – East Side. Despite being very proud of his Polish heritage, Paul embraced the Irish culture and came to thoroughly enjoy the ballads and rebel songs celebrating Irish history.
Paul was a relationship builder and always made time to help family and friends, sharing his time, life experiences, and words of advice.
Paul is survived by his sons, Sebastian and Paul; sisters, Carol Christopherson, Nancy Ryan and Diane James and brother, Pete Kowalski. He was preceded in death by his mother Celia, his father Peter and his wife Loretta.
Suggestions for memorial contributions include the American Red Cross and the Cleveland Animal Protective League.
Private family services will be held at a later date. The Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family during this time. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com

Behm Family Funeral Homes

Carol Christopherson, Nancy Ryan, Diane James, Pete Kowalski

Randy Birman

Paul Crilley

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You are forever in our hearts. Carol, Nancy, Diane, and Pete.

I am ever grateful to Paul for introducing my wife Barb and I to the joy of sailing in the 1970's. May he rest in joy and peace with God, and may his family be blessed with enduing memories of his love. Rick Krivanka

Paul was a great guy and work colleague at CEI. I'll never forget he made a special trip from Ashtabula Plant to attend my retirement party at Lakeshore. Always there to talk. We shared a common love for sailing. I'm surprised and saddened by his passing. May the wind be always at your back, Paul!

To the man who gave me my first pet sitting job a day after quitting my full time job ... and a couple of the best years watching your precious fur babies. Thank you. Thank you and thank you again. Words cannot express how many blessings you brought into my life by sharing your little tiny Pug and gorgeous kitty with me while you were away. Thank you for allowing me to share Lady A with the world. Many lives have been blessed by seeing her face ... she truly uplifts people, especially in these crazy times. And I’m sure I can confidently say thank you from all her fans as well. You know how much everyone loves her. Thank you for putting up with all the pictures I sent you on vacation, and silly talking videos of her. Thank you for leaving me those snack bars all the time that I loved so much, that was so thoughtful. Thanks for letting me use all your good Kuerig cups while I was there! Because of you, I went out a bought a Kuerig and I’ll think of you every time I use mine! I can’t believe you’re gone. I really can’t. I always got excited when I saw you texted me... I knew I’d get to watch Lady A again! Most of all I want to say thank you for trusting me with not only your house, but your precious, precious puggie. For allowing me to share in a little bit of the joy she brings. Thanks for taking a chance on me. You will be missed. By me, Lady A and Brother O. Just know that Lady A is with me now and I’ll make sure she’ll be well taken care. Rest In Peace. ?

Had an excellent working relationship with Paul for nearly 30 years. Sincere condolences to his family. (Lee Pyzik)

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Paul was a great friend and colleague at CEI/FE. I’ll always remember his professionalism, thoughtfulness and mischievous twinkly-eyed laugh. Lauren and I always enjoyed skiing with him, even though we could not keep up! Rest Peacefully, Paul; thoughts and prayers to your Family. Mike Jirousek

I planted a palm tree in my backyard near my pool to celebrate his life

Mr. Paul Kowalski was considered a friend to me before all else. Even though we met through our common business relationship at the Ashtabula power plant, it was clear early on that this man had a stern drive in his career, but yet had a heart for those around him. After a life-changing event for me, Paul offered some "social time" requesting I join him in prepping his boat in the spring for sail. This, I did for several years, before moving East and departing our common business relationship, but we maintained a friendship over the distance. One of the inspirations and early respected leaders in my life, I will miss him as a friend more than anything else. He had heart - notably large! - right behind his smile! I used to joke that we were both named after Pope Paul VI (I actually was), and that was a shared common trait. He would chuckle, usually because that was after some hard waxing on his boat and a beverage induced moment of relaxation afterwards. He will be missed, for sure.

My thoughts and prayers to Paul's family. I worked with him at Perry, he was such a wonderful man. Karen Nutaitis

I was a project manager with Paul at perry, but my Best time was going sailing with him. I will miss his smile.

Hey, so sorry to hear this. Paul was a slipmate at E55th. I switched docks with him because boat was bigger, and Paul was dumbfounded. It's what boaters do. Comradery. Paul was VERY accomplished and successful and you should be proud of him! Better, he was a gentleman. Always. Glad to have known him.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.