Paul Tesluk

July 2, 1940 - August 20, 2022

Paul Tesluk passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the age of 82, with family members by his side. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on July 2, 1940, son of the late Walter and Genevieve (Swet) Tesluk. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Paulette Wesolowski; and his first wife, Jean (Burgin) Spofford. Paul graduated from Rossford High School, just outside of Toledo, Ohio. It was there that he found his lifelong passion for music. Although Paul played several instruments, including accordion and trumpet, it was his Hammond Chord Organ that launched his music career. In 1957, Paul joined several friends to form a rock group that eventually became Johnny and Hurricanes. The band would go on to record several singles that reached the Top 40 charts in the U.S. and Europe. Paul toured extensively with the band throughout the United States and abroad, and was broadcast on shows like American Bandstand and The Dick Clark Show. As Paul's family grew, he left Johnny and the Hurricanes to form his own band, The Fascinators. The band dedicated most of their efforts to live concerts in the United States. The Fascinators also worked as the backing band for such groups as The Drifters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, Bobby Vee and Clide Mcphatter at such venues as, The Peppermint Lounge, The Copacabana, and The Carousel Club. After his career in music, Paul worked primarily as a carpenter and other part-time work after he retired. He always kept busy. In addition to music, Paul loved gardening, the outdoors, good conversation, silly dad jokes, and leftovers.

Paul is survived by his sister, Pamela (Tesluk) Menery and her husband John; his four children, Gina (Tesluk) Cox and her husband Kevin, Paul David Tesluk and his wife Linda, Tami (Tesluk) Day and her husband Dave, and Danielle (Tesluk) Reyes and her husband Josh; as well as his stepchildren, who he loved and watched grow with his former wife, Valerie (Temmel) Zgorzelski; Vania Kent, Michael Kent, Jared Kent, Joshua Kent, Thomas Kent, Clayton Kent, Christine Kent and their families; his grandchildren, Travis Tesluk, Alexandra Cox, Jermey Day, Benjamin Tesluk, Abigail Day, and Shane Cox; his nieces and nephews, Larry Menery, Shawn Pirolli, Jonathan Wesolowski, Nicole Wesolowski Wisner, and Jacob Wesolowski.

Paul was a member of the Dunedin North Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Dunedin, Florida. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers or donations, please just take a moment to enjoy some time outdoors, take a walk, watch a sunset, plant or water something and watch it grow, he would love that. A memorial talk will be held virtually via Zoom video conference on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 6:00 pm Eastern Time. Meeting ID: 844 6354 3625 Password: 773157. If you are unable to join the zoom meeting and would like to dial-in for audio only, call: (727) 466-4762, PIN 7777777.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Sep. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Tesluk

4 Entries

Lynn Bruce

September 11, 2022

I played drums with Paul in Johnny and the Hurricanes and the Fascinators.
He also was my friend.
When we played at the Peppermint Club in Toledo, Pul lived in Rossford and would drive me back to my apt. after practice at times.On hot days we would stop at the Polish Club in Rossford for a beer and talk and laugh about everything.
When we had to back up all the other acts on Dick Clark tours, Paul would be the one to get the key and chords. Dave Yorko would get his guitar chords down and tell Butch what his bass part was, and I'd get the drum part down and it wasn't long before whomever we were backing up would say" You guys nailed it". I have many stories about our life on the road with Paul, Butch, Dave and John when in Johnny and the Hurricanes. Now they all are back together on the other side setting up their instruments ready to play again.
We were on the road together for 4 years and he always was a nice guy and an honorable friend.
Rest in peace Paul

Mark Mazur

September 10, 2022

Paul and I would speak 2-3 times per month and the conversations were always about music, mutual friends and growing up in Rossford. I'll certainly miss these talks and his personal insight about the early days of rock and roll. My sincere condolences to the family.

Don Staczek

September 10, 2022

Paul and I got to be good friends while at Rossford High School playing in the varsity band. We joined with Johnny Posick and started playing rock music in our basements or garages. I have many great memories of the Teen Town and local night clubs that we played in and became a great group called the Orbits. Paul was a great friend and the best of the Hurricanes. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Pam Juhasz Thomas

September 9, 2022

As a cousin twice removed I think-I remember getting together for some wonderful family parties when we were young - sending my sympathy and blessings to the family.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Paul Tesluk's name

Memorial Events
for Paul Tesluk

Sep

Memorial service

6:00 p.m.

will be held virtually via Zoom video conference

Meeting ID: 844 6354 3625 Password: 773157., If you are unable to join the zoom meeting and would like to dial-in for audio only, call: (727) 466-4762, PIN 7777777., OH