Paul D. Wodianka 1936-2024

He is survived by his three children, Debra (Tracy) Sinn, Donna DeFranco and Paul J. Wodianka; five grandchildren, Matthew Sinn (Jonathan O’Toole), Corey (Nikki) Sinn, and Rachel, Joe and Adam DeFranco; and eight wonderful great-grandchildren.

Paul’s wife, Ardith (Mudge), preceded him in death, passing away in February of this year.

Paul was born Sept. 29, 1936, to Laura (Haefke) and Paul Wodianka. The youngest of five siblings, he loved and admired his sisters — the late Helen (Gintert), Pearl (Brown), Ruth (Jones) and Mary Kay “Babe” (Baytosh). His family helped shape him to become a man of integrity, respect, courage, compassion and generosity of spirit, which made him an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend.

Paul married Ardith in 1957, when he was just 20 and she 18. They were inseparable throughout 66 years of marriage, as their love for each other and their children empowered them to find joy in every day and to weather even the most extreme challenges. The strength of their love was never so evident as in the final years of Ardith’s life, when her health took a downturn and Paul spent every moment by her side.

Paul was a 1954 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, where he was well-known for his hook shot and rebound skills as a member of the Falcons’ varsity basketball team. He was a serious scholar as well: He was named to the National Honor Society, served as a junior class officer and was a member of the science club. Following his graduation, Paul became a route sales representative with Workingmen’s / Servi-Clean Industrial, where he worked for decades before retiring.

Paul was a longtime member of Austintown Community Church, where he and Ardith were married and their children were baptized. Later in life, they became members of Berlin Center United Methodist Church. Paul was also a member of the Saxon Club for many years.

Paul’s memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at Lane Family Funeral Home, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, OH 44515, with visitation from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org or 800-805-5856) or Akron Children’s Foundation (akronchildrens.org or 330-746-GIVE). Paul and Ardith were committed to supporting the health and well-being of children everywhere.

(special notice)