I met Paul during our years at Bishop McDevitt HS; he had a gift for antics that ran against the grain. Like floating a makeshift raft down the Susquehanna River one summer in view of the Harrisburg Capital.  He orchestrated tag football games during a snowstorm. He drew us together with regular parties in his  parents basement in Oberlin, where he often lip synced the songs of Andy Williams.  Jim Barbush might remember them as well. He was always 'leading' us to play penny ante poker.  
He was using his time in those carefree years to build his skills and personality to be able to make such a profound, positive, and lasting impression on those who came to know him.
He was a good person in all stages of his life. We should all be so lucky.   Let your Spirit soar my friend.

Dear Fran, I am so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to you and your family. Love Rose Ann Salerno Carr.❤️🙏🌹🙏

Sending my sincere condolences to the family.

I worked for Paul for many years.  What an outstanding role model.   He served his country both in the military and as a civilian with great passion.  I have the utmost respect and admiration for him and what he stood for.  I will forever be grateful for all he did for those of us fortunate to enough to work for him.  He taught me so much.  Thank you Paul!  You will truly be missed.

Rhonda



Paul was my boss for many years. He was always there for all his employees. I am so sad to hear of his passing and so sorry for your loss. May your happy memories of your life with him get you through this difficult time. Sincerely Karen Doyle

Paul was a great man and great leader.  I too was lucky enough to have served under him.  I will always remember the lessons he taught me and will carry them with me.  He will be greatly missed.  

I will add an Amen! to the comments of everyone  who also had the blessing to work for Paul.  Although at the time those may not have been the words we used :) His leadership ability and style were bar none.  And although I was added to the circle of trust later in Paul’s career, I will forever be indebted for all the challenges and opportunities he provided me.  I am a personal testament to a life and career changed for the better from having the opportunity to work for Paul.  I can only pray I will make him proud as I lead my teams and attempt to pay it forward.  Rest in peace, Georgia

My deepest sympathy to the family.

Paul was an exceptional leader that didn't believe in taking the easy road, but the right road.  There are many employees at both DLA and the Army that owe their careers to him.  He always fought for his people and had the incredible ability to predict the future.  He will be missed by many.

Rest in peace, Paul.

RIP Paul, you were the best boss ever and will be missed by so many. My condolences to the family. 

The greatest boss one could have and a very dear friend. We at DLA just heard of Paul’s passing. Sending much love and prayers to the family 

He gave his all and all to this country. Thank you for your service Paul. 

Lora Crowder 

Anne condolences!! RIP Paul, we at DOD well never forget you!! 

Hi Ann and Stacy,
I just learned of Paul's passing and am so sorry.  I know we haven't seen each other in a while but my thoughts and prayers are with you.  I enjoyed our time together and will always remember Paul and his love for the horses.  I hope you are doing okay.
Greg

I dated Paul while still in the latter years of high school.  Mostly, we went to his home to be with his family.  His mother was a gracious and funny person.  Paul was a real gentleman and I remember how we laughed and laughed.  We listened to music all night long and Paul taught me how to dance.  Never saw Paul after those few dates and after so many years.....sorry to hear of his passing.  I’m grateful for the memories of a fun and kind gentleman.

The loss of Paul Okum is felt greatly.  Many years ago, in my high school days and early college days from 1966 to 1970, we were close friends and had many, many great and fun times together.  With our common friend, Jim Maley who passed away many years ago, we were a jovial never-to-forget trio.

Paul's entire family was always cherished in my mind.  The memories are special.

After a long absence, over 50 years, I had opportunity to call Paul  several years ago.  We reminisced about our times at Super Thrift Grocery Store where we met and worked.  Those were special times with special people.  After the phone conversation, Paul sent me the 2 books he wrote on leadership.  He surely has been a true leader.

The most vivid memories of Paul and me are the ones where we laughed uncontrollably about things we did and said.  I can still see Paul laughing greatly during our hilarious times.  We had many good parties where we danced to the music of our time.  We did our best to entertain our guests with our comedic antics, dancing, and singing.

I send my care and concern to Paul's brothers and their families.  Your family is always remembered often and fondly.

I share this picture of the Super Thrift sign where we spent many good days at work with our store managers, Bob Laudermilch and Gladys Gross, and other coworkers (Jim Maley, Ruth, Betty,  Vince, Joe Hopple, and others).  We were quite a good crew.



I worked for Paul twice, first at the Federal Aviation Administration in the late 1970’s, and second at the Bureau of Land Management in the mid 1980’s.  I told him once he ruined me because he was the best boss ever, and no one else would ever compare; and they never did!  Because of all the training and challenges he gave me during the time he was my supervisor, when I moved on to other agencies, I exceeded and was promoted way beyond what I ever thought I’d accomplish.  I give most of the credit for that to him and his willingness to see more in me than I saw in myself.  I know I wasn’t the only one who benefited from his supervision and mentoring.  Of course, he wasn’t all business all the time.  He was kind of a nut, and we had lots of fun times in the office with some of the pranks he pulled.  We kept in touch through all these years and I often relied on him for counsel, and just good conversation.  I was blessed to have had the opportunity to work with him and then to have him (and Ann) as a friend; I will miss him greatly!  Rest in peace my dear friend!  

OBITUARY

Paul Edward Okum

2 May, 1946 – 18 February, 2021

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park

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