Paul J. Kollat 1959-2025

He was born May 15, 1959, in Youngstown, to parents Paul J. and Eleanor Teno Kollat. Paul retired in 2022 from AT&T after 36 years of employment as a communications technician.

Paul, also known as PJ, graduated from Jackson-Milton High School in 1977, where he excelled in basketball and was a multiple-sport athlete. PJ continued playing basketball at Baldwin Wallace University, eventually graduating from the University of Akron. He was recently inducted into the Jackson-Milton Athletic Hall of Fame. He also coached basketball for 15 years supporting his children’s teams with programs including the Aurora Rec League, Travel AAU Teams, along with Western Reserve Academy and Aurora High School.

In his later years, Paul continued a very active lifestyle. Along with being an avid NBA fan, he enjoyed running, biking, and in his retirement, grew to love the sport of pickleball. In his younger years, he spent many summers water skiing on Lake Milton with family and friends.

Above all, Paul loved his family. He was a devoted husband and a loving father, and built a beautiful life with his beloved wife. He enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. with his family and spent many memorable summers at the beach. He was also a loving dog dad, always surrounded by loyal companions, most recently, Dexter.

Paul is survived by his wife, Janeen Caras Kollat, whom he married Nov. 29, 1986. He is also survived by his twin daughters, Jenna Kollat and Lucia (Alex Andrews) Kollat; and his son, Paul J. Kollat; his brothers, Mark (Mary Jo) Kollat and Brian (Christine) Kollat; his sister, Lynore Kollat; mother-in-law, Jean (Appulese) Caras; and brother-in-law, Larry Caras; along with generations of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His wishes for cremation are being honored with a private inurnment.

Friends and family will be received 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. A prayer service will conclude the visitation at 7 p.m.

Paul’s final resting place will be Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

The family sends a heartfelt thank you to all the caregivers this past week at UH Main Campus Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul’s memory to the American Heart Association or the Jackson-Milton Sports Boosters.

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