Paul Joseph Friederich

Paul Joseph Friederich, 92, of Largo, FL, passed-away peacefully at home, on Saturday, November 1, 2025 surrounded by his family.
On 6/18/1933, Paul was the first of three boys born to Joseph W. and Bethulia I. Friederich, in Belleville, IL.
After serving as a Sergeant in the United States Army, Paul met Janet Jaeger in their hometown of Belleville, IL, where they were both acting in productions with the Belleville Players Guild. They wed two years later, in 1959. In lieu of a honeymoon, they moved to Florida where Paul had taken a job as an Electronics Instrumentation Specialist with General Electric's Neutron Devices Department at the Pinellas Plant which it operated for the U.S. Department of Energy. Paul retired from GE in 1991.
Paul is survived by his wife, Janet, of nearly 66 years; brothers: James (Joyce) and Richard (Jane); six children: Stephen (Terrie) Friederich, Diane Kledzik, Laurie Moyson, David Friederich, Mark (Dina) Friederich, Ann Friederich; and five grandchildren: Luke Kledzik, Amanda (Drew) Strickland, Maxmillian (Hailey) Friederich, Nathalie Friederich, Andrew Kledzik, and a very large and loving, extended family stemming from nieces and nephews.
Paul was a dedicated and devoted man in every aspect of his life; always willing, giving, forgiving, and patient. He was happiest while partying with family, rocking babies, doting on his three kitties, and working on electronics in his garage. He served his community through his role on the City of Largo Public Works Advisory Board. He was heavily involved in his children's school and extra-curricular activities, spent an abundant amount of time at the little league field as coach and spectator, was a scouting coordinator, was involved in the Parents' Club (St. Patrick Grade School), a faithful member of the Dad's Club (Clearwater Central Catholic High School) for the 11 years spanning his kids' tenure, and the 'go-to-guy' for anything that needed to be coordinated, built, or repaired in every facet of his life.
Paul wore many hats at his church: Serving on the Finance and Parish Councils, as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector, sacristan, OCIA catechist, actor and assistant with the St. Patrick Players, and as a member of the Ministry of Presence, liturgy committee, the St. Joseph Workers, the Holy Name Society, and the Knights of Columbus.
Paul was blessed and humbled by being honored with the following awards: The National Defense Service Medal from the United States Army, The St. George emblem from the Boy Scouts of America, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg St. Jude Medal, and a Lifetime Service Award from the Knights of Columbus.
Paul was an enthusiastic HAM radio operator and was especially in his element during road trips to see relatives in Illinois. Fondly, HAM lingo remains a constant amongst his family to this day! Paul loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor, and his practicality-delivered with great wit while flashing his characteristic, sly smirk-made everyone in his presence, smile. He was always agreeable, easy-going, and up for anything... He was a man of deep faith, always kind, led by example, and was simply a great human!
Paul had a full and wonderful life and is already missed deeply and dearly. May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider donating to www.PinellasHope.org/donate or to St. Patrick School or Church.