Paul Joseph Tkacz, 95, passed away peacefully at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE surrounded by family on April 22, 2023. Paul was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, July 29, 1927 and was the youngest child of the late Nicholas and Marya Rybazuk Tkacz.
The son of Ukrainian and Polish immigrants, Paul was a member of the basketball team and graduated from Ridley Township High School in 1945. Following high school graduation, he attended classes at Drexel University. Paul entered the U.S. Army, October 18, 1945 and after Basic Training earned his Jump Wings with the 11th Airborne Division. The 11th was part of the occupation force in Japan after WW ll and in 1950 was attached to the 187th Infantry Regiment, serving in the Korean War. In 1952 he was assigned to the 40th Infantry Division, of the 160th Regiment, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. His Honors included the WW ll Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and UN Service Medal.
After his service, he returned to Ridley Township, residing in Folsom. He enjoyed many activities in the Philadelphia area, with members of the American Bandstand production and watching the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium and the Eagles at Franklin Field. He worked for Westinghouse in shipping, at the Tinicum location and when they ceased operation in the late 80s, he moved on to Franklin Electronics in Burlington, NJ.
Paul married Joan Ocker, the love of his life on September 7, 1963, and moved to Marlton, NJ. They traveled and cruised extensively, exploring the world on their adventures. Together they raised several beautiful dogs, including Heidi and Dazzle. Dazzle, a Belgian Tervuren, was well known on the Agility circuit capturing numerous ribbons, many of them blue. Dazzle also qualified for the National Agility Trial. Knight, another Belgian, was Paul’s most recent faithful companion, always at his side. Each watching over the other. He lived his final years in Hockessin, DE at Cokesbury Village, where he enjoyed the company of many friends and neighbors.
Paul was predeceased by his wife, Joan Tkacz; brother, Albin Peter Tkacz; sister, Elizabeth Helen Epright; and nephew, David M. Epright.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews with; Betsy Tkacz Lee, Lisa Epright (James) Fielding, Nancy Tkacz (Allen) Browne, Alan (Susan) Epright and Gary (Kristine) Epright. He is remembered by his close friend, Susan Porth.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Hockessin, DE on May 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM and followed by a Celebration of Life reception at Cokesbury Village.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a Ukrainian Relief Fund via charitynavigator.org or the American Diabetes Association, in honor of his late wife, Joan.
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