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Paul DeZarn Obituary
passed away into the arms of Christ on June 16, 2015.
Paul was a native of Louisville, son of the late Arthur "Pete" DeZarn and Margaret Kastor DeZarn. He was a graduate of St. Thomas Seminary, St. Meinrad Seminary, Indiana University Southeast and Spalding University. He served as principal for 40 years at St. Raphael the Archangel in Louisville, KY.
A humble, selfless servant of the Lord, Paul dedicated his life to love, compassion and kindness. He was a joyful, warm and spirited Shepard to thousands as a principal, a friend and a father. His passion for Catholic Education served as a beacon of hope from which many found strength and courage to follow a path toward holiness. A gentle soul always leading with the light of love.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Donna Warren DeZarn; their five extraordinary children, Amy Conner (Chris), Eric DeZarn (Tina), Alyssa Hord (Mark), Dr. Allison DeZarn, Peter DeZarn (Kendahl); their phenomenal grandchildren, Taylor, Jackson, Olivia, Nicholas, Sydney, Kristen, Elizabeth, Will, Bishop, Matthew, Collins, Cooper, Boston and Carter; patient siblings, Rosemary Phillips (Jim), Joe DeZarn (Susie), John DeZarn (Vicki) and Mike DeZarn; generous in laws, Mac Warren (Laverne), Doug Warren (Bert), Jane Livers (Dan), Chuck Warren (Sue), Dewey Winstead, Bart Warren, Bess Hill (Dean); and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Special thanks to Drs. Steven Raible, Regi Varghese and Mohammad Alsorogi and the women of the Cressman Rehab Center.
In a joyful spirit we invite you to share your love for Paul and celebrate his walk with Christ.
Visitation will be Monday, June 22 from 1 - 8 p.m. at Ratterman Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Rd. "In St. Matthews" Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at St. Raphael the Archangel, 2141 Lancashire Ave.
Memorial donations in Paul's memory may be made to the student financial aid office of the following schools: St. Raphael the Archangel, St. Xavier High School, Mercy Academy or Trinity High School; or to the Mass on the Air.
When the moment arises and a road must be chosen, walk in the light of your faith and you will never lose your way. CARPE DIEM!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul DeZarn
Bill Hayden
June 13, 2025
A remembered friend always!
Bill
Bill
June 13, 2024
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
1 Corinthians 2:9
Bill
May 5, 2024
Classmates since freshman years at St. Thomas Seminary - kept in touch ever since. Beautiful family - wonderful wife! As orderlies as St. Anthony Hospital met Thomas Merton. Always wonderful memories growing up together. Cherish your and Donna´s visit to Antigua.
Think of you often, my friend!
Bill
Larkin Fore
June 13, 2021
Such a fine man. Really missed for all the good he did.
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Larkin Fore
June 14, 2020
One of Gods good people. Truly missed. Paul Blandford told some Paul DeZarn stories at the fishing Yahoo this past week end. Larkin
Saman Hassan
April 12, 2016
Paul was in our doctoral cohort . A very gental soul and a wonderful friend . We are all very saddened by the news . May his soul rest in peace Amen. . Prayers for the family !
Dr. Cheryl Chedester
April 12, 2016
So sad to learn of Paul's passing! He and I were in the same doctoral cohort at Spalding University. He was a kind man with a big heart for children and excellence in education.
Elena Hines
July 21, 2015
A gentle man and a gentleman! It was a privilege to know him and work with him. My prayers are with all of you. May our dear Lord bring you comfort and peace.
Amy Nall
July 6, 2015
Dear DeZarn Family,
My prayers have been with you all since I read the news of Paul's death. He was a pillar of faith and dedication in the Catholic community of Louisville, and I have always admired his commitment to Catholic education. He stands as a role model and an inspiration to many, including me. May your hearts be comforted in your grief. Prayers and love to you all.
Kathleen O'Hara
June 29, 2015
I have fond memories of working with Paul when we were on DESEC together. Rest in peace kind gentle man.
Sister Edward Quinn
June 29, 2015
To Paul's Family:
You don't know me, but I knew your husband and father well having worked with him on the Elementary Committee at NCEA for several years. He jokingly knicknamed me "Magellan" as I would operate the GPS system in the car when he was driving to NCEA events. What a wonderful person I remember him to be. There was always a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. His passion for his profession was a gift to Catholic Education in this country. His family, too, was one of his treasures as he so often spoke of you with love. I will miss seeing him and will continue to pray that God will be with you at this time of loss.
Karen Fulkerson
June 29, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the entire DeZarn family.
Cheryl, John, Zack & Liz Carl
June 24, 2015
Dr. D will be missed by so many. When we were trying to decide on which Catholic school to enroll our son, we toured three schools in the Highlands and decided on St. Raphael largely because of Dr. DeZarn and the personal tour and interest he showed! Prayers for your family during this time of great loss and sadness.
Manuel J. Grimaldi
June 23, 2015
I was very saddened to hear of Dr. DeZarn's passing. My deepest sympathies to his dear family. He was so good to me. And so many.
Jim & Rose Marie Kaller & family
June 23, 2015
DeZarn Family - The 'long' line, for the visitation last night, showed how everyone thought of Paul DeZarn. My vision of him, always brought a smile to my face, matching his. He was so warm and trust'worthy. We never had to question his thoughts. Knew he was genuinely concerned. There will never be another Paul DeZarn !!!!
Tony Heitzman
June 22, 2015
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Adam Potts
June 22, 2015
Dr. Dezarn was a kind man who was always willing to open his school and his home to others. He will be missed.
Davis Johnson
June 22, 2015
Paul was a gifted teacher in my youth, and even more importantly one of those rare people who simply glowed with warmth, compassion and a positive spirit that was of great comfort to one so young and often wayward.
Lynn Graham
June 22, 2015
Paul was a special man - he saw the potential in everyone and served as a guide and a mentor with the greatest of patience. My years working for him teaching art were a real time of growth, and learning and enjoyment and I will always feel blessed to have known him and to have worked for him. He really made a difference in this world. God bless him and his family.
Park DuValle Community Health Center Staff
June 22, 2015
You are in our prayers and thoughts. May God bless and keep you.
Brenda Palmer
June 22, 2015
Dr. Allison and DeZarn family - Please know that you are in my prayers. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
June 22, 2015
What a life and what a family. My deepest sympathy and my prayers are with the entire family. Pax. Deacon Todd Auffrey
June 22, 2015
Blessings to the Dezarn Family at this difficult time. May all the wonderful memories give you peace and give you a reason to smile each and every day.
Kim and Keenan Foy
Kathy Feistritzer
June 21, 2015
When I was fresh out of nursing (1963-64), I worked with Paul at the old St. Anthony Hospital...he was like a big brother to me.
Jean Oerther
June 21, 2015
A man of faith; a gentle man who cared; an intellectual man who shared; a friend who will be missed. So very sorry for your loss.
Jean Oerther
June 20, 2015
Rest in peace.
June 20, 2015
Dear Donna, So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Paul, may the Lord be with you and your family at this time.
Carolyn
ECH
Jon and Judy Krebs
June 19, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Donna and family. While your sadness is profound at this time, your family is blessed with many wonderful memories of a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Judie Dicken
June 19, 2015
Dear Amy and Family
I was deeply saddened to hear of your dad's illness and his passing earlier this week.
May each new day begin with warm memories and end with peaceful moments.
When someone becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
May your dad rest in peace.
Melissa James
June 19, 2015
There are simply not enough words or emotions in this world to describe how much I love you and how terribly I will miss you Mr. DeZarn. It's such a devastating loss for our community, which is so selfish to say. I can't thank the DeZarn family enough for sharing their wonderful dad with so many people. He truly is a jewel in the Lord's crown, I truly believe that. Just think, now Mr. DeZarn you're up there with some of the other greats from our parish - Mr. Jack Raque, Mr. David Higgins, and the list goes on. What a party that awaits you! Sending my love and prayers to the family, but what a cool angel they now have watching over them.
Tara Woodsmall
June 19, 2015
Thanks for helping to mold me into the person I am today. Thoughts and prayers to the DeZarn family.
Jim Blandford
June 19, 2015
Paul and is family were and are very special. A true Christian always giving of his talent so others could benefit. Rest in Peace and may Peace come to family and friends.
Kelly Stratman
June 19, 2015
He always had a smile on his face and I loved how the St. Raphael kids were drawn to him! Sending prayers to the family.
June 19, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Dezarn family. Suzanne Schmidt, Phoenix,AZ
Carl Oerther
June 19, 2015
A beacon of Faith to all of us who knew him. Loved and missed by all...
June 19, 2015
I am sorry to see the passing of Coach Dezarn. I was a basketball manager for Coach Dezarns freshman team at Trinity back in 1971/72 season. Coach Dezarn treated everyone fair and was a good person to work for. He was always friendly whenever I saw him out. Take care, Coach Dezarn will be missed.
June 18, 2015
Steve Malone Thomas More School '71... I forgot to post my name with my comments below.
Jim Ford
June 18, 2015
A wonderful man and leader. Kind, understanding, sensitive to others, loving to all.
I could go on..... What a decent and wonderful man, what a great life!
June 18, 2015
It was a shock when Donna called and gave me the sad news. I will always remember Paul as a young teacher of English and Sacred Studies at Thomas More School in Harrisville NH.A man of compassion and a very comforting voice and personality. Thank you Paul for helping to shape me into the person I am today.Donna and kids Paul will always be missed and remembered.Thank you for being such a large part of my life back in the Thomas More days.
Larkin Fore
June 18, 2015
One of the best the Good Lord ever made. He did more good in a day than some of us do in a month.
Mary Lee Lanning
June 18, 2015
Paul lit up the meeting when all the principals gathered. His smile and greetings included everyone. It's very hard to think that he is no longer with us, but it is comforting to know that all he stood for will be passed down to many generations. Paul was a blessing to all of us.
Sally Jessel
June 18, 2015
Paul, you will definitely be missed! I feel blessed to have known you. You helped me guide my children through life. Having 5 children educated under your watchful eyes was the best education we could give them. Bobby, Becky, Rikki, Michael and Alexis are all good people largely because of your guidance. Thank you! You will be greatly missed!
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