Born April 5, 1937 to Stephen Bernard Straske and Helene Piwinski Straske in Chicago, died October 19, 2018 at home in Tampa. Paul grew up in Louisville, Kentucky before the family moved to Tampa in 1951. He achieved the honor of Eagle Scout and was a graduate of Jesuit High School. Paul then went on to attend Georgetown University where he met with considerable debating success as a member of Georgetown’s Philodemic Society (Freshman National College Forensic Champion, as well as Varsity Champion as a sophomore) while being cheered on by teammate Antonin Scalia. After graduating in 1958, Paul enrolled in the University of Florida College of Law and completed his legal studies in 1961. Prior to beginning the private practice of law, he served as Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the United States Army. During his more than 45 years in the legal profession, he practiced widely in all areas of business and commerce, served as a member and past chairman of the Florida Bar’s Corporate Banking and Business Law section, and was one of the first lawyers to be certified in taxation by the Florida Bar, which recognized Paul in 2011 for his 50 years of membership.
Paul was active in the Tampa community, with particularly devoted service to the Tampa Bay History Center and its foundation, of which he was a founder and former trustee. He enjoyed the camaraderie among his dear friends at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.
Beyond Paul’s considerable professional achievements and community service, he was an ardent Formula 1 motor race fan and an avid target pistol shooting competitor. However, his greatest achievement, interest and source of pride was his family. Paul was a devoted and loving husband, encouraging father, and jovial grandfather. He is survived by Helen, his wonderful and steadfast wife of 56 years, son Stephen B. Straske II (Janice), daughter Laura Straske Ford (Chip), and granddaughters Elly Straske, Davis Straske, Kate Ford and Mary Stephen Straske.
There will be a private memorial service, but the family invites all friends to a reception to celebrate Paul’s life on Thursday October 25 from 2-4 pm the Tampa Yacht and Country Club, 5320 Interbay Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Tampa Bay History Center, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Meals on Wheels.
“I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” -- Winston Churchill
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