Michael Paskowski

Obituary Michael passed away surrounded by his children at Franciscan Hospice House after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer on January 23rd, 2018. Michael was born to Grace and Michael Paskowski on May 11th, 1949 in Boston, Massachusetts, the beloved husband of Jane, who predeceased him in 2005, for 32 1/2 years. Michael and Jane's son, Michael III predeceased Michael Jr. in 2005. Michael was the loving father and is survived by daughter Katie of Arlington, Virginia; daughter Kristin of DuBois, Pennsylvania; son Matthew of Juneau, Alaska; son Andrew of Lakewood, Washington; sister Susan Sullivan of Cary, North Carolina, and granddaughters Reagan and Isabella Paskowski of DuBois, Pennsylvania. Michael was the father and leader of a family of five children, whose example of honor, nobility, and altruism preceded his generosity and unique sense of humor. He taught his children, through action, the value of doing the right thing no matter how fun or easy the opposite might be. And writing thank you notes. Even in times of great turmoil, through losing a child, a wife, or a parent, his strength persevered and served as an immense example of courage, a great example of how to hold your head up high in the face of adversity. Michael was an avid hunter, loved the outdoors, grilling and neighborhood cookouts. A Boston native, he shared his passion for Boston sports with his children. He told stories of Fenway Park, watching Ted Williams as well as the Boston Bruins. He shared his love of hockey with his children as a youth coach in Ft. Lewis, WA. Michael was easy to love, despite his notorious temper. Anyone who knew him can recall how easily he could be set off, and at the same time how funny his trademark obscenities were to hear. They will be a source of laughter for years to come as he was fully aware of. Michael proudly served in the U.S. Army for 20 years as an Infantry Officer. Following his military service, he worked as a Manager for Integrated Logistics Support, Training and Training Development at Northrop Grumman. He earned a Bachelors of Science degree from Boston College and Masters Degree in Business Administration from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York where he also served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science. He earned an additional degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Michael's family would like to extend special thanks to Penny Anderson of Advanced Healthcare, whose friendship and warm-heartedness provided many days of great joy for Michael in a time of darkness. Her genuine friendship will be a gift our family will not soon forget. Additionally, Michael's life was enriched with the company of neighbors Steve and Debbie Laughlin and family. Between the care they provided and laughter they shared, their enduring friendship was yet another invaluable relationship which will never be forgotten. Michaels greatest regret in life will surely be his failure to grow ponytails and get tattoos with Steve, riding motorcycles across America. Our family would also like to extend a warm thank you to Franciscan Hospice House for the compassionate and loving care they provided in his final hours, in addition to Franciscan Palliative Care Social Worker Linda Doll who made his stay in Franciscan Hospice House possible. Visitation and wake will be held Friday, February 2nd at 7pm at Gaffney Funeral Home, 1002 S. Yakima ST, Tacoma WA. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 3rd at 12:30pm at Visitation Catholic Church, 3314 S 58th St Tacoma, WA. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. Following interment a reception will be held at the Hub in Tacoma, 203 Tacoma Ave S. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Michaels name to Franciscan Hospice, 2901 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98466 or the American Heart Association.