Paul A. Synowiec

Many things can be said about Paul Synowiec. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Paul was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

His parents were Edward & Yolanda Cella Synowiec. Paul was born in Brooklyn and raised there until 1964, when the family moved to Richmond Hill, Queens, New York. When he was young, Paul's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Paul demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Paul grew up with two siblings. He had a brother, Edward and sister, Linda. Paul was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Paul carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Paul was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Paul was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Paul could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in street ball and handball on the wall at P. S. 55 school. He also was a Cub Scout. In his spare time he liked riding his bicycle with baseball cards in the spokes and playing skelzee in the street with bottle caps. Paul's memorable achievements included the one special summer in the farmlands of Long Island where he grew twelve inches and shed weight that he didn't want. Favorite parts of Paul's childhood were spent with his cousins: Barry, Ronnie, Sandy, Denise, Paul & David; and with his Aunt Edna & Uncle Bud in Pennsylvania.

During his high school years, Paul had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He attended Richmond Hill High School. Paul did not graduate Richmond Hill, but did later get his GED and went on to become an options broker on the Options Exchange. High School was challenging for Paul. He preferred not to attend and would rather go to the beach with his friends. Paul had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Paul was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Although he was not fond of school work, he could build anything. He was very creative with carpentry work and detail. He also learned plumbing and electrical.

Always considered a “good” friend, Paul sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Paul always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Paul’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Paul would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Paul was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Michael DeSanti and Stanley Gruzenda. Later in life, he became friends with Mike Alexander, Nick Marovich, Paul Lange, Rich Lubawski, Joe Zeman, and Joe from Arrow Court.

On April 5, 1986 Paul married Melanie Marovich at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Lisle, Illinois. By trusting his emotions, Paul did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Paul was truly a person of empathy. Paul and Melanie were together almost 20 years.

Paul’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Paul shared these values with his two children, a daughter, Caitlin and a son, Kyle. Paul related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Paul experienced success in his work life over and over again. His most rewarding occupation was as a financial manager for MMP Finance. He was employed as an options broker. Paul also started his own business called Quality Property Management. Paul always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Paul took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Paul was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Paul continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Because he was organized and methodical, Paul took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were cars (especially his 1969 GTO and 1972 Cutlass), gardening and grilling. Paul enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Recreational sports included bowling, jogging, raquetball, bean bag toss and Polish horseshoes. Paul also liked to pack up his bike with treats & water then rattle down the road.

Paul was well known to others for his ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed him as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, he was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld his personal values. He enjoyed serving as a Cub Scout leader and coach of soccer, baseball & track for Caitlin and Kyle. Politically, Paul was on the board for the Steeple Run subdivision.

Paul’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the St. Margaret Mary Church Men's Club, for which he served as finance treasurer. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

Paul enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Paul were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Michigan and Wisconsin (or anywhere there was water). Paul also liked every July 4th; he had the opportunity to set off fireworks and cherry bombs.

Paul was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Paul had a monkey he "borrowed" from an organ grinder when he was in his teen years. Paul had grown up with a dog named Ginger. Then as an adult raising his family, he had a dog named Snoopy.

He is survived by his daughter Caitlin, son Kyle, brother Edward Synowiec, sister Linda (William) Clark, Nieces Alexis Morris and Jacqueline Synowiec, Nephews Justin & Matthew Martorello, and John & Paul Synowiec.

Throughout his life, Paul A. Synowiec was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He came to know the Lord in 2006 and was baptized at a non-denominational church called Community Christian. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Paul leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Paul.

Paul Anthony Synowiec, born July 26, 1956 in Brooklyn, NY; Devoted son of Edward & Yolanda Synowiec; Loving father of Caitlin & Kyle Synowiec; dear brother of Edward Synowiec and Linda (William) Clark; Fond uncle of Justin, Matthew, & Alexis Martorello and John, Paul & Jackie Synowiec.

Visitation Thursday, July 1, 2010 from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue, Lisle, IL (on Rt. 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) where funeral services will be held Friday 11:00 am.