Donald G. Papuga's Obituary
Donald Papuga Obituary
Donald G. Papuga, 77, of Elyria, died June 3, 2020 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born May 31, 1943 in Crabtree, PA to Steve and Stella Papuga. At the age of 10, Don moved to Elyria and was a 1962 graduate of Elyria High School. From 1964-1970, he served in the National Guard 107 Armor Regiment. During the 1970’s he worked in the maintenance and safety crew at Lorain County Speedway. For 40 years, Don was employed as a lathe operator and job setter at Ridge Tool Company retiring in 2002. After retirement, he worked 10 years as a courier for Elyria Land Title/Old Republic. His interests included racing, NASCAR, Corvettes, cruises, and vacations to Myrtle Beach and Florida. Don is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cathy (nee Shatto); mother, Stella; daughter, Jacqueline Papuga of Elyria; sons, Robert (Amy) Papuga of Grafton and Michael (Jennifer) Papuga of New Bern, NC; grandchildren, Jessica Papuga, special grandson, Joshua Papuga, Kayla (fiancé Nate Mason) Papuga, Madeline (fiancé Adam Heckman) Papuga, Kyle Papuga and Allison Papuga; great-grandchildren, Peyton (Haley) Fox, Aiyanna and Drake Hagler and Liam Papuga; great-great grandchildren, Brooklynn and Kingston Fox; long-time friend and caregiver, Bill Hall; and nieces, Cindy (Randy) Pass and Shelley (Dustin) Froehlich. He was preceded in death by his father, Steve in 2002; brother, Richard in 2006; first wife, Rosemarie (nee Klingshirn) in 1991; grandson, Steven in 1992; nephew, Ricky; maternal grandparents, Rade and Mildred Vinsick; and paternal grandparents, Steve and Elizabeth Papuga. A special thanks to Crossroads Hospice and Jessica, Josh, and Kayla Papuga for enabling Don to remain in his home under their wonderful care. Friends will be received Saturday, June 6, 2020 from noon until the time of a 1:00 pm service at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Ave., Elyria with Reverend Christine Vanderbilt, Chaplain of Crossroads Hospice officiating. Covid-19 precautions will be practiced. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9775 Rockside Road, Suite 270, Valley View, Ohio 44125 or The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500Chicago, IL 60611.VisitationDicken Funeral Home and Cremation ServiceSaturday, June 06, 2020 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 323 Middle Ave.Elyria, OH 44035 Funeral ServiceDicken Funeral Home and Cremation ServiceSaturday, June 06, 2020 1:00 PM 323 Middle AvenueElyria, OH 44035 GravesideSt. Mary CemeterySaturday, June 06, 2020 7284 Lake Ave.Elyria, OH 44035
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