Paul Pishko

1954 - 2015

Paul Pishko

Norfolk - PISHKO, Paul James, 6O, died Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in Richmond, Va., after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Paul was born in Woodhall Spa, England on October 29, 1954. He was a lifelong traveler. As a youth he lived in England, France, Ohio, Michigan and Virginia. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 1984. He was stationed in Germany. He spoke fluent German and could pinpoint the origin of any accent he heard. During his career as a Human Resource Executive, Paul and his family lived in Virginia, Texas, New York, Illinois and New Jersey before retiring from Colas, Inc. and returning to Richmond in April 2015. He was a passionate student of history, particularly military history. He was an avid soccer fan. Manchester United was his team. He loved music, New Orleans and the Outer Banks. He was a very quick wit. His family and friends have lost a voice of humor that raised all he met. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Pishko. Paul is survived by his wife, Donnell Thomas Pishko; and son, Ian M. Pishko, both of Richmond. He is also survived by his mother, Nora Pishko of Norfolk; three brothers and three sisters, Julia Pishko Lalumandier of Santa Fe, N.M., John R. Pishko and wife, Stephany, of Richmond, Bernard A. Pishko and wife, Sarah, of Norfolk, Marianne Pishko Scott and husband, JD, of Norfolk, Stephan T. Pishko and wife, Anita, of Richmond and Katy Pishko of Norfolk; eight nieces and nephews and two great- nieces. Family and friends will gather at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave., Richmond at 1 p.m. Friday, May 29 and proceed to Hollywood Cemetery for a graveside service at 2 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to a charity Paul supported, The Southern Poverty Law Center, dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry.

(www.splcenter.org.)