Paul Hosmanek


Paul Peter Hosmanek most recently of Staunton, Va., died peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 14, 2010.

Born March 24, 1926, in South Milwaukee, Wis., he was the son of the late Eva (Fojtik) and Stefen Hosmanek and is survived by two siblings, Elaine (Hosmanek) Rodriguez and Stephen Hosmanek.

Paul served his country as an aviator in the Army Air Force in World War II and as Air Intelligence in the Korean War. In 1952, he married Katherine Petzold (deceased) and had three daughters and a son during their 33 years of marriage. After living in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, the family settled in Virginia, where Paul ran his own lawn and garden supply business for more than 20 years. In 1990, he married Elizabeth Potts. And, although semi-retired, he remained active in the lives of his family and friends, his church, the Masonic Lodge, and his community right up until the final year of his life.

Besides his siblings, he is survived by his children and their families: Laurie (Hosmanek) and Bill Diggins; Debbie Lynn (Hosmanek) and George Butler, Lisa and Wendy; Kathie (Hosmanek) and Tony Hiles, Christy, Michael, and Sara; Rob Hosmanek; and two great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his wife, Elizabeth Hosmanek and her children, Laura Gaylor, Beth Earhart, David Weaver, and their families.

As you mourn, take solace knowing that not only was Paul ready for this day, he embraced it with the inner peace of one who had experienced all life had to offer. He fulfilled childhood dreams of owning his own company, traveling the world, earning his pilot's license, and boating the Intracoastal Waterway, all while maintaining his beloved gardens. In his words (circa 1998): "I have lived a full life. I have been blessed to be able to achieve all I ever wanted to. There is nothing left I need or want to do. I am ready."

The family has planned a private ceremony and thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to Good Works Inc., PO Box 1441, Coatesville, PA 19320; Family Worship Center, PO Box 1947, Harrisonburg, VA 22801; or the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3607 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory.