Paul E. Minarik

Paul Eugene Minarik

of Natrona Heights, PA

Paul Eugene Minarik, 96, of Harrison Township passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at home surrounded by family. He was born on Thursday, April 29, 1926 in Natrona to the late Stefan and Pauline (Panac) Minarik and lived the rest of his life in Natrona Heights. Paul was a member of St. Mathias Church, then later Guardian Angels Parish in Natrona Heights. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, was an active member of VFW Post 894 in Natrona Heights and a member of the Tin Can Sailors. His time in the service was one of his most proud achievements, one that he spoke of fondly. He was employed by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., Creighton, for 34 years. After retirement, he worked repairing antique furniture and flea marketing, which was a hobby he enjoyed with his beloved wife, Dolores, who is also known as Babe. He was a proud husband of 72 years. He was an avid golfer, completed several Pittsburgh marathons in his late 50’s and early 60’s, and walked several miles a day up until a few years ago. He loved spending time around a nightly fire with his Miller High Life and a shot of Crown Royal. His first language was Slovak, as his parents came here to build their life and raised their family with proud Slovak traditions and roots. At age 70, he was able to travel to Slovakia to meet some of his relatives. Most importantly, he enjoyed all of these activities in the company of neighbors, family, and friends, always wearing a smile and his WWII Navy cap.  He is survived by his wife Dolores (Thimons) Minarik and three children: Dennis, Linda Garfield (Charles), and Cynthia Walters (Daniel) with two grandchildren Jonathan Walters (Soojin Park) and Janey Mazur (Zachary) and one great-grandchild Jace Mazur. He had numerous beloved nieces and nephews as well.  Paul was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters: Martin, Steve (Margaret Jazik), Helen Silagyi (John), John, Amelia Tomayko (Carl), Margaret Smith (Richard) and William.

Family and friends are invited from 2-4 and 6-8 on Friday, November 4, 2022 to the ROBERT PETERS FUNERAL HOME INC., 1521 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 (724-224-7730) where a parting prayer service will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 5, 2022.  Funeral Mass will follow at 9:30 AM at the Guardian Angels Parish-Most Blessed Sacrament Campus, 800 Montana Avenue, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 .  Burial will take place at Mount Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights, PA.  For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.petersfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial Contributions can be made to: Guardian Angels Parish.

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