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Paul Sykes Obituary

BRASELTON, Ga. Paul J. Sykes, age 64, of Braselton, died Sunday, April 24, 2005 at home after a courageous battle with mesothelioma. He is survived by his wife Bonnie Sykes, Braselton; daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Tony Mikels, Atlanta, Jennifer and James Goodman, Knoxville, Tenn.; daughter, Toni McElroy, Atlanta; mother, Jean Sykes, Williamsport, Pa.; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Ilene Sykes, Albany, N.Y.; grandchildren, Kuepper, Mckenna, Ariz., Kaela, Nathan, Jared and Megan. He was born in Bloomsburg, Pa. to Donald and Jean Sykes. In 1962, he graduated from Pennsylvania Military College as a commissioned officer and a member of TKE Fraternity. During his military service, he was stationed in Germany and Vietnam. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge. Following his years in the military, Paul worked for Worthington Corporation as a salesman for the turbine generator division. He moved on to running a compressor remanufacturing facility based out of Atlanta, Ga. This led him to found American Hermetics, his own compressor remanufacturing business, in Miami, Fla. in 1974. Eventually, American Hermetics grew to 10 satellite locations in nine states, serving customers throughout the United States and beyond. Paul was a loving person, who leaves behind many family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was known for his magnetic, fun-loving personality, his humor and candor and his ability to make people smile and feel special. He enjoyed playing golf, spending time with friends and family and work. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the charity of your choice or to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. Funeral services were held in the Chapel of Hamilton Mill Funeral Home. Interment followed in Hamilton Mill Memorial Park. Cantor Benjamin Adler officiated.

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Published by Albany Times Union from Apr. 30 to May 1, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
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Morrie Spang

April 24, 2024

I often remember Paul, especially from our years at PMC. We also remember him in our annual reunion ceremonies.

Morrie Spang, PMC´62

April 24, 2022

Missing our brother, Paul, as our PMC class has its 60th reunion.

William Breen

July 12, 2020

Paul was my executive officer in Germany. We were near a village named Illisheim serving in a HAWK Missile Unit. He spent several nights on our sofa when driving back to his quarters would have been dangerous. I later saw him in Viet-Nam after he was released from the hospital. He was a fine soldier, a real character, and I regret we did not meet later in life to share stories.

Kathy Rojak

December 14, 2013

Bonnie, I just happened onto this. I was shocked to learn of Paul's passing. It is now the end of 2013. Glen passed away March 15th, 2012. I don't think he knew. I am sorry even after all this time has passed. I still have the Llardo.

Christy and David Hand

April 26, 2006

Bonnie and family

It is still very sad and hard to believe that Paul is no longer with us. We were so glad to get to see him one last time at his early birthday party. We have such good memories of having you all live next door for so many years, and of our few visits after you moved. We still miss having you nearby.

You will always be special friends to us. We love ya'll.

Jennifer

April 24, 2006

Yes it is hard to believe that it's been a year since Dad passed away. I think I speak for my sisters and Bonnie when I say that not a day goes by that we don't think about Dad, and that it warms our hearts to know that everyone else is thinking of him fondly and as often as we do. I scrounged around for some pictures today and added them, hope they turn out OK.

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Morrie Spang

April 23, 2006

Bonnie,

It's been a year without Paul, and I've thought so him so many times -- more than I did before, because I always knew he wasn't far away. Although we didn't see each other often, when we did it was as if the last time was yesterday. Most of my fondest memories of our years at PMC occurred with Paul -- it was a continual adventure with him!



I'm so glad that you and Paul came to the 2004 reunion -- everyone was so glad to spend some time with you both -- you were fondly remeebered at last year's event.



May God's blesings and peace continue to be with you and your family. Love, Morrie and Mimi

Don (Guy) Zero

April 21, 2006

Both my wife Carole and I enjoyed the time we spent w/Paul during his attendance at the reunion in Maryland. Having not seeing him for40+ years we enjoyed his stories, humor and life experiences. We missed him last year although he was in all of our thoughts.

Families of VisionAir Services

April 21, 2006

Our continued prayers go to Paul Sykes and his family.

Peter Caputo

May 5, 2005

Bonnie and Family,



The news of Paul's illness and then his passing was a real tragedy. I can't think of Paul without a smile and a sigh.



He was one of the most enjoyable people I met while working for Widener University. It was a treat and an honor for me to get close to him and to you, Bonnie.



The last time I was with Paul, the two of us played a round of golf together at the Woodlands. He was only going to play nine holes but decided to stay the entire round. Whenever the Widener Country Club met, all the better golfers wanted to play with Paul, so I never got to be in his foursome. I felt it was a real honor for just the two of us to play alone.



The things I will always remember about Paul are his sense of loyalty and friendship, his honesty and hard work, his strong family values and generosity, and of course, his unique sense of humor. But mostly I will remember the way he gave 100% to each and everything he did.



The world is less of a place with his passing but heaven is greatly enriched.



My best wishes and prayers to the Sykes Family.



Peter A. Caputo

Don Boyd

May 4, 2005

Dear Bonnie and Family:



I already did this once, but I made the mistake of ending my comments by quoting one of Paul's favorite sayings on the golf course. Well, I guess the "sensor" didn't share Paul's sense of humor.



Anyway, I just want to express my profound sadness on the news of Paul's passing. Paul was the salt of the earth, generous to a fault, and one of the finest people I have ever had the good fortune to know.



Those who knew him understood that Paul was passionate about many things ..... but foremost on that list was his dear sweet Bonnie; their children; their business; friends .... and of course golf!



Paul enhanced the life of everyone he came into contact with, and he will be greatly missed. I am confident, however, that Paul will never be forgotten because each of us will think of him often as we remember him, in his unique voice, telling us one of his favorite jokes ... always ending with his unique and infectious laugh .... I will remember Paul and his laugh forever.



Bonnie - You and the girls remain in my thoughts and prayers.



Don Boyd

Widener '83 & '94

Bob Duffy

May 2, 2005

Dear Bonnie, Family and Friends I am so saddened to learn that Paul has passed. As a member of the original TKE pledge class at PMC, I feel all my fraters are "special". Paul was that and more. He was always fun to be around. When I joined the Widener Country Club at Firestone CC in Ohio decades after graduation, Paul was the first alumnus I met. We fast-forwarded our time and were ready to create new memories, which we did. Thanks, Bonnie, for joining Paul to host our group at Chateau Elan, and for inviting us into your home. I'm so glad we share those happy times. We will all miss Paul. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Robert Collins

April 30, 2005

Bonnie & family, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I'm eternally grateful for all y'all have done for me. It was a very rewarding relationship for me. I wish there were more like Paul.

Paul Gigante Esco. Inc.

April 29, 2005

Bonnie & Family

Our thoughts & prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow



From all your Friends at Esco Inc.

The employees of McKenney's, Inc.

April 28, 2005

We would like to extend our condolences to Paul's family. We have many fond memories of Paul from the many years that he spent supporting us and making our work more enjoyable. He always went above and beyond to help and always made us smile. McKenney's will greatly miss Paul.

ROY & MARTHA COLLINS

April 28, 2005

Dear Bonnie and Family:

We were deeply saddened to learn of Paul's passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. I knew him as a classmate, fraternity brother and friend, and I will miss him.

Louis Horner

April 28, 2005

Dear Bonnie and Family,

It was with great sadness that I heard the news about Paul, I am so glad to have seen you both in October.

In my correspondence to my PMC brothers I said that we will all march with Paul again in a different place and time. At that moment, we will bring even greater glory to the men of '62.

My thoughts and prayers are with and for you.

Regards,

Louis Horner

Gerry McCarley

April 27, 2005

Paul was a great friend and business associate for almost 30 years. I enjoyed seeing him in Jacksonville in January where we relived many good times in the A/C business in Florida. We are all diminished by the loss of this good man and industry innovator. He will be sorely missed.

Tom and Linda Harrison

April 27, 2005

Bonnie and Family,

Paul touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways. His courage and kindness were unparalled. We will remember him always. Please know that we are here for you. Love, Tom and Linda

Marty Post

April 27, 2005

Bonnie and Family



As a PMC classmate of Paul and fraternity brother, you and your family have my sincerest sympathy. Unfortunately it was my loss that our paths never crossed again after PMC, and that we never met. I have nothing but fond memories of our four years together.

David & Christy Hand

April 26, 2005

Paul, if I had a handy photo to post it would either be the red, white and blue frizzy wig you wore at another of your birthday parties... or skiing at Lone Star at Lake Tahoe ... or sitting by your pool Sunday afternoons watching Misty ""almost" get in the water. Or maybe the evening you and I built a bonfire in the paved street in front of our houses when the evening air turned cool and Willis and I played guitar and sang (badly). There have been many my friend... 20 years. Thanks for the memories. May God take care of you and give you an eternity of good golf.

Bonnie and family, Christy and I love all of you and your families...

Mike Valenzuela

April 26, 2005

We are deeply saddened by the news of Paul's death, but we are also greatful for what Paul contributed to our lives both professionally and personally. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those he touched through out his life.



Thanks Paul!

Guy Zero

April 26, 2005

I enjoyed the short visits we had at the Class of '62 2004 Reunion after so many years. I will miss any more time we can share together

John Nothwang

April 26, 2005

Dear Sykes family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel this path. I was a classmate of Paul's at PMC and at the October reunion he was the first person I saw. It was good to catch up and share a meal with with you both. He touched many and will be well rememberd. Sincerely, John Nothwang

Bruce Hanley "62

April 26, 2005

Bonnie & Family,

memories of PMC and the years together at PMC are memorable. Paul could have fit the picture of

V.F.Small for our class; just joking. He was an inspiration with his with his quick wit and humor.May God give you and your family strength to carry on in your time of loss.



Bruce M Hanley #224

George Bennett

April 26, 2005

During the past several years I have been remiss in not attending PMC Class of 1962 reunions. I'm so glad to have attended the 42nd and had the chance to play golf with Paul and listen to his stories. I didn't know him well, but did remember Paul from our PMC days. God Bless you and your family.

George #23 and wife Gwen

Marlin Brower

April 26, 2005

All here at Pleune Service Co. were very distraght to hear the news that Paul had passed away. None of us ever met Paul personally, but we always regarded him as a great friend. He always was a pleasure to deal with and had a great sense of humour. After enlightening us on many technical issues, we always had a good laugh too! Our thoughts and prayers will be with all his family, friends, and co-workers. He will be fondly remembered and missed even in Michigan. Serv.Mgr., Pleune Service Company

trena/dennis hoffmann

April 26, 2005

WE HAVE TO BELIEVE YOU ONLY GO AROUND ONCE IN LIFE,BUT IF YOU PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT,IT'S ENOUGH. THANK YOU MR. SYKES

David & Carolyn Robinson

April 26, 2005

Bonnie,

Our hearts are broken for you and your family. Our lives are fuller since we have gotten to know and love you and Paul. Please know we will be here for you anytime you need us! Love, Carolyn & David

Bill Kester

April 26, 2005

Dear Sykes Family and Friends:



I remember Paul very well from our days together at Pennsylvania Military College. His wonderfully written obituary in the Atlanta Constitution was a tribute to him and to all of you. He obviously led a rich and rewarding life. And he will live on through his wife and children. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.



Bill Kester

Pennsylvania Military College

Class of 1962

Paul and his girls!

April 26, 2005

Golf anyone?

April 26, 2005

John Butler

April 26, 2005

I have the greatest respect for Paul. He helped me many times in business and was always considerate and fair. His cheerful voice and sense of humor will be missed.

Meryl Uranga

April 26, 2005

Jennifer & family,



I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you as you go through this difficult time. Words are difficult at a time like this. Please know that my condolences are with you.



Warm regards,

Meryl

Nick McCulloch

April 26, 2005

I am truely greatful for knowing Paul and his family. He has been a true inspiration to me and his encouragement when I first started my business will live with me forever. My heart felt condolences go out to Bonnie and his family.

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