Paul James Lieb II

Paul J. Lieb, II, 69, of Hazle Twp. died peacefully Saturday morning at his home while surrounded by his family.

Born Feb. 5, 1953, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Paul Sr. and Fortunata (Sacco) Lieb and was a member of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Hazleton.

A 1971 graduate of Hazleton High School, Paul went on to take courses at Luzerne County Community College and Kutztown University and was employed in the maintenance department of the Hazleton Area School District.

Paul was very artistic and was a talented musician and exceptional visual artist. He specialized in the guitar, electric bass guitar and upright bass. Along with his musicianship, he shared his vocals with several bands, including Smoke Stack Lightning, Moses, Island and Autumn. Paul would often spend his time relaxing and enjoying his family, listening to music and perfecting his home audio systems. His life revolved around his love of music.

In his early years, he was an exceptional athlete who excelled in football and wrestling. Over the years he shared his talents with his sons who both enjoyed those sports as well.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his son, Paul James "PJ" Lieb III.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, the former Mary Ellen Jarrett; son, Christopher Lieb, his wife, Tory and their children, Lila and Christopher Jr., Sugarloaf Twp.; daughter-in-law, Julie and her children, Greyson and Peyton James, Hazle Twp.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Rita Liene; brother-in-law, Anthony Liene; sister-in-law, Sandy Theodore; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish at the Church of St. Joseph, 604 N. Laurel St., Hazleton. The Rev. Stephen Brosk will preside.

Burial will take place in Most Precious Blood Cemetery, Hazleton.

Friends and family are invited to call for a visitation period that will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until the time of Mass Friday at the church.

Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory, Drums, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolence messages may be entered in the family's memorial guest book on the funeral home website at www.khfuneralhomes.com.