Paul Rehak

REHAK, Paul
Age 88, of Hardscrabble Rd., Lowman, passed away peacefully at home October 24, 2008. Paul was born in NYC, NY, son of the late Paul and Kristine (Mikolashek) Rehak. He is survived by his loving wife, Anna (Vanya) Rehak. They celebrated 60 years together in marriage on Sept. 18th of this year. He is also survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and Harry Ellis of Napa, CA, Nancy and Joseph O'Connor of Pompano Beach, FL, Linda and Thomas Langdon of Arlington, MA; and a loving grandchild, Martina Anne Langdon. Paul was predeceased by his brothers, John and Martin Rehak. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the African and European Theaters as a Sergeant during WWII. Locally, Paul was employed by Schweizer Aircraft Corp. in Big Flats and the Former Bendix Eclipse in Elmira Heights. In California, he worked on Howard Hughes famed "Spruce Goose" and, while at Rocketdyne, worked on some of the earliest developments in United States rocketry. He was a self-employed local electrical contractor for many years. Outside of the love and devotion he had for his family, his hobbies and passions included being an avid aviation enthusiast as well as a private pilot. He was a proud veteran and a member of the American Legion and VFW. With his admiration for vintage warplanes, Paul donated many hours of his technical knowledge and hands-on know-how to the National Warplane Museum and Wings of Eagles Discovery Center. Paul had many additional hobbies including gardening, canning and cooking. His artistic talents included woodworking and writing poetry. An accomplished carpenter and handyman, he completely remodeled and restored the family's original farm house where he and his family have resided. He loved and respected nature's beauty and bounty, and was generous in inviting friends to join him in hunting and fishing. He stocked a pond which he had created on the lower acres of the family farm and delighted in fishing there with his granddaughter. In his relaxing leisure time, he loved watching vintage westerns and WWII movies. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St., Horseheads, on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, from 11:00-1:00 p.m. where his service will take place at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. David Martin officiating. Interment to follow in Hilltop Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded.