Paul Joseph Richnak

RICHNAK, Paul Joseph, a WWII Marine was called home on Memorial Day, 2014. Born October 13th, 1924 in New York City, raised in Long Island, NY, resided in Godfrey, IL and most lately of Tierra Verde, FL. He was the loving husband of Karen Drewes Richnak. Preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary; his sister, Mary and his first wife, Inez Demkier Richnak. The father of Mary Jane Helfenberger of Virginia, Steven Paul Richnak, Judith Lucille Eckart and Michael Harry Richnak of Godfrey, IL, step father of Drew Messer of NY, Heather Messer of NJ, Stephanie Danko of Ohio, Kirsten Davis of Rhode Island and Gretchen Cummings of Texas. Grandfather to nine grandchildren and 11 step grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Frank Richnak of Oregon and Lou Richnak of California. A WWII veteran of the Marine Corp, those values guided him through his long and wonderful life. Semper Fi. He was a trusted and loyal employee who started at FMC Corp and ended his working days as Vice President of Jefferson Smurfit Corp. where he traveled the world. He sailed the Mississippi, the Yucatan Peninsula and the Gulf Coast of Florida. He was the Captains captain and he shared his love of the water with those who surrounded him. Aye Aye Skipper, sail into the beautiful sunset, we will miss you always. Services and military honors will be held on June 19th at 10:45 a.m. at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Donations may be made to woundedwarriorproject.org Words of comfort may be expressed for Paul's family by clicking on the guestbook link below.