Paul DeLeo

DELEO, Paul Anthony, 67, of Tampa, passed away Monday, December 7, 2009. Paul was born on June 13, 1942 to Ralph and Florence DiLeo in Buffalo, N.Y. He spent most of his younger years growing up in Clyde, N.Y. where he befriended most of the town and was related to the rest. Paul enlisted in the Air Force where he served until his honorable discharge and a decision to attend Notre Dame. He attended numerous universities, obtained his master's degree from Nebraska and did doctorate work at Syracuse. He married Sandra Smith on March 28, 1970 and the journey began. He taught SUNY Oswego and Clyde High School for a short time before settling in as an English teacher at Newark Senior High School, where students and staff were forever changed. He was never afraid to stand up for a cause or a kid he believed in. He taught in a way that felt more like a friendly debate in study hall than a classroom. He also taught a film making class complete with an "Academy Awards" ceremony to reward his students for their efforts. He started painting during summer vacation to supplement his teaching salary and found it to be a natural fit for his "people personality" and strong work ethic. Thus, in 1972, Teachers Associated Painting was born. In 1982, when politics in school administration appeared to be infringing on his ability to put students first, Paul retired from teaching and took his family and his company to Tampa, Fla. for a new start. He quickly took the Tampa Bay area by storm and his trademark schoolhouse sign can still be seen dotting South Tampa thanks to his son, Paul Jr. and son-in-law, Rob taking the reins at the height of his illness to keep the company flourishing. "The House on Henry" became a notorious weekend hang out for a large group of friends and family that he has treasured along with a halfway house for those he met down on their luck and needing a temporary place to stay. He never judged anyone by anything other than their character and never met a stranger who didn't leave as friend. He was a strong willed and stubborn Italian with a huge heart of gold and was affectionately known as "The King" by those closest to him. He mastered the art of friendship where words need not be spoken because his generous efforts spoke volumes. He was the same way with his family where he championed anything we wanted to do and there has never lived a more proud grandfather. The "Grandpa" shirts he proudly wore and his presence at youth sporting events and family functions (preferably where beer was served) along with his unyielding generosity for the smallest of achievements all exemplified his Grandpa Status. He has left a legacy that should inspire us all. His humor, wit, and positive attitude throughout the past year could not be masked even by the ferocious cancer that slowly enveloped his body. We are humbled by the strength and determination that he exhibited for his family as long as he was physically able. There is no way to describe what the "The King" meant to all of us who loved him but his ingenuous nature touched us all in our own way and he will be in our hearts forever! Our family is forever grateful for the support of all of his friends and extended family but we would like to especially recognize and thank Frank and Carolyn, Barb and Jack, Larry, Al and Caesar for their constant support and motivating weekly visits that meant so much to Paul and to his family throughout the last year. Thank you Aunt Joy and Steve Jones for the continuous flow of prayerful cards and supportive letters that decorated the living room! We would also like to thank Dr. Ruben Valdes in Town & Country for his loving attention all of the years Paul lived in Tampa, but especially from start to finish of his cancer diagnosis - there should be more like him! Paul is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughters, Kim (Brad) of Va., Kris, and Jennifer (Rob); son, Paul Jr. (Charlie); grandchildren, Jillian (Matt), James, Jackson, Zachary, Kassidy, Crislin, Chet, Cierra, Isaac and Myah; and great grandchildren, Kailey and Madison. His mother, Florence of Clyde, N.Y.; twin brother, Ralph (Tharen) and brothers, Bob (Val) and Jim (Corky) all of N.Y.; sisters, Deb (Larry) and Donna (Tom) of N.Y.; many many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins. There will be a celebration of his life at the "House on Henry" for friends and family on Sunday, December 13, from noon till whenever...you know who you are and where we are, please come and share a memory with us! In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or LifePath Hospice of Hillsborough County.