Paul James Pentek

Paul James Pentek passed away peacefully at Agape Hospice on April 10, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born in April of 1936 in Budapest, Hungary to Pali Pentek and Ilina Kerekes who already had given Paul two older sisters, Ilona and Ezri.

While living in Budapest, Paul watched the airplanes at the nearby airport and discovered his love for flying. He joined a youth group where he learned how to fly and obtained his pilot’s license. In addition, he also began a lifelong enthusiasm for sport parachuting. Paul was later drafted and served in the army as a pilot. In 1956, the Hungarian revolution broke out, and Paul fled across the border to Austria. Once in Austria, he was accepted as a refugee by Canada and was soon stepping off a boat in St John, New Brunswick. He had hoped he could start a career as a commercial pilot in Canada, however, since he knew no English, he was unable to secure a pilot job. Paul lived and worked in Montreal and Ottawa and continued his passion for flying and parachuting.

Paul then made his way to Calgary where he worked as an Orderly at the Foothills Hospital to put himself through university where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education. He was teaching in Tilley, Alberta, when he met the new teacher Lily Paviglianiti, and they soon married in September 1979. They both continued their education, and each obtained graduate degrees, and they finished their careers in St. Paul, Alberta and moved to Calgary in 2009 to be closer to family.

Paul and Lily enjoyed camping, skiing, biking, and being outdoors together. They also enjoyed travelling to Europe to visit relatives. They were avid attendees of the Calgary and Edmonton opera. Paul was a voracious reader and considered himself a student of military history and also conducted research of musical history. One of Paul’s greatest pleasures was listening to opera and classical music.

He will be remembered by his brothers-in-law and their families, Joe & Kerri Paviglianiti, and Domenic Paviglianiti; his sister-in-law and her family, Frances & Terry Nestor.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lily. They will be reunited at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a Celebration of Paul’s life at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL (3220 4th Street NW, Calgary AB) on Friday, April 25th between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM with interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorial service donations may be made directly to Edmonton Mennonite Guest Home, 8304 - 117 Street, Edmonton, Alberta TG6 1R3