Name: Calling hours for Paul A. Wereszynski
Start: 2023-05-21T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-05-21T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. - Kingston

Paul Anthony Wereszynski, 81, of Kingston, who died May 17, 2023 at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, was known by many names. His childhood pals and cousins in Utica called him "Paulie" or "Little Red." To the Woodstock kids of the late 1960s-80s who played Saturday morning basketball and spent summers at the town's rec program, he was "Coach." Decades of Onteora High School students called him simply: "Mr. W." He was the "Polish Prince" to the members of the White Eagle Benevolent Society. And he was known as "The Big Guy" with the biggest heart to his circle of close friends, Onteora Lions Club members and fellow Immaculate Conception Church parishioners. But the names he cherished most were "Big Brother," "Husband," "Dad," "Uncle Paul" and "Dziadzi." Paul left a lasting legacy of friendship, mentorship and charitable giving; he impacted generations and will continue to impact more. Born January 28, 1942 in Utica, N.Y., he was the son of the late Vincent and Catherine (Dziechciowski) Wereszynski. Paul was a graduate of Holy Trinity Elementary School and Utica Free Academy. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Utica College, where he developed his dedication to serving others as a member of Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, and a master's degree from Syracuse University. Mr. W. spent the majority of his 30-plus year distinguished teaching career in the business department at Onteora High School, where he managed the school store and served as adviser to DECA, which prepares students for careers in marketing, finance and management. As adviser he founded the OCS Toys for Tots campaign and served as judge coordinator for Region 3 and state competitions, and on the NY DECA Board of Trustees. He was named NY State Marketing Teacher of the Year and awarded by NY DECA with an Outstanding Service Award and Honorary Life Award. Paul was a founding member of the Onteora Lions Club and served as vice president. He was a faithful and active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church for more than 50 years and a longstanding member of the White Eagle Benevolent Society, for which he served as president, chair of 100th anniversary committee, and chair of the scholarship committee. Paul was a devoted fan of Syracuse University sports, the NY Giants and the NY Mets. He loved music, particularly Golden Oldies and showtunes, and was known for having "a song for everything." As a believer in the importance of sportsmanship, in Utica he coached Kiwanis and Little League baseball, and basketball at Holy Trinity. He also managed Woodstock Rec programs, and coached CYO basketball in Kingston and the freshman basketball team and winning track team at Onteora High. He is survived by Karen, his loving "Wifie" and partner of more than 50 years; daughters, Kathleen (Sean) Murray, and Michelle (Michael) Brenes; grandsons, Connor Vincent Murray and Nathan Paul Brenes; brother, Leonard (Leeanne) Wereszynski; sister, Judy (Scott) Beuhler; sister-in-law, Julie (David) Tasker; nephews, Aaron, Mark and Stephen Brundage and their families; many cousins; honorary nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends. The family would like to thank the priests, nurses, therapists and health aides who cared for Paul during his six-year journey, and the staff in the ICU at HealthAlliance during the last two weeks. Karen is especially grateful to Paul's personal doctor and dear friend Dr. Barry Goldman, and devoted personal trainer Ralph Vanacore for the motivation and fantastic conversations. Calling hours are Sunday, May 21 from 1â€"5 p.m. at Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, 27 Smith Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 22 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 467 Delaware Ave. A reception will follow. Donations in honor of Paul Wereszynski / Mr. W. can be made in his name to the following: White Eagle Scholarship Fund, 487 Delaware Ave., Kingston, NY 12401 Onteora Scholarship Fund; email Lisa Casey: [email protected] or call 845-657-2373, ext. 2110 Immaculate Conception Church, 467 Delaware Ave., Kingston, NY 12401 https://www.lastingmemories.com/paul-a-wereszynski

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Published by the Daily Freeman from May 19 to May 20, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Wereszynski

Sponsored by dailyfreeman.com.

7 Entries

Angeline Szymanski

May 28, 2023

Dear Karen & family,
I was saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was a wonderful man. I remember him working with CYO when Bobby was at Immaculate and also what an asset he was to the parish. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May our Lord grant him peaceful, eternal rest.
Fondly, Angeline Szymanski

Kathy Carey

May 24, 2023

Paul taught at Onteora with my dad, Vincent Carey. My dad loved working with him. I was a student there and remember Paul well. He really cared about the students, was an awesome teacher, coach and mentor. Over the years, I enjoyed bumping in to him now and then at Shoprite in Kingston. He was always friendly and smiling and would remember time with my dad and other teachers from that time. My deepest condolences to all of Paul´s family and friends,

Vince Sali

May 21, 2023

I graduated OCHS in 1983 because of the help and kindness of Mr. Wereszynski. I had a rough time growing up and was kicked out of school my senior year. In order to graduate I had to finish my classes at home on my own. I had no help from home and Mr. Wereszynski was the only person who reached out to help me. He gave me his phone number and told me to call for help. He stayed on the phone with me for hours on his own time to help me pass. His generosity and willingness to see past my troubles made the difference to my start as an adult. After graduation at the age of 17 I moved to Washington on my own for a new start. I had my diploma because of him. I guess he must have understood there was more going on than a "bad kid". He cared and truly made a difference in my life. He was a wonderful person I will not forget. I'm sorry for your loss.

Sevierville, TN

May 20, 2023

Dear Karen, Kathleen, Michelle, and extended families,

May we offer our sincerest sympathy and heartfelt condolence. We are saddened by the news of Paul's passing, but take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and pain free. Paul had a friendly generous, joyful, and pleasant personality. He lived his life with class, dignity, and with devotion to his family, friends, faith, community, and country.

Paul taught his "Kids" to be kindhearted and caring as he always treated them with the utmost respect and compassion. I fondly remember collaborating and working with him when I was President of the Onteora Sports Fans and as a yearly guest speaker at Onteora DECA.

We remember how Paul enjoyed life; always supporting and loving his family and long list of friends. He always was most generous, kind, and charitable to every person he met and befriended.

Paul and I often supported each other at his White Eagle Hall and my Kingston Maennerchor. The dances and dinners at both venues always enhanced our camaraderie. Our souls and spirit were uplifted at our concerts and at Communion Mass followed by Breakfast.

Another of my cherished memories of Paul is that he always reminded me to stop by the Hapanowicz Brothers Meat Market and the Pulaski Meat Market on my semiannual trips to Utica with the NYS German Choruses; true brothers of the heart, soul, and cuisine.

We will miss Paul dearly and will keep him and you in our hearts and prayers. May God Bless and comfort you and your families with peace and love at this sorrowful time.

May Paul rest in peace and be secure in God's Blessings

Herman and Linda Koelmel and Family

Joe Geuss

May 19, 2023

Paul was one of my teachers at Onteora High School. I learned about business and life from the most dedicated teacher I ever knew. As the years past, Paul and I became close friends. I always enjoyed our friendship and time spent on the phone as he experienced health issues. My thoughts are with the family. A nicer man you will never find. Rest in peace big guy.

Michele Bruck (Flores)

May 19, 2023

So saddened to hear of Paul´s passing...his big smile and personality to match will be missed...love and prayers from one of his favorite nursesMichele

Marilyn Koster

May 19, 2023

We met Paul when he first moved to Kingston. When Ulster County Community College opened in Stone Ridge, my husband left teaching at Onteora Central School and worked at the College. Paul took my husband's job at Onteora. We became friends quickly and have remained friends all these years! Paul and Karen bought a house only three blocks from us, and our daughter used to babysit their girls. We have many fond memories of the family.

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