Paul R. Bilchak

Paul R. Bilchak, 92 of Toronto, Ohio passed away Saturday, August 6, 2016 in Alleghany General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Paul was born October 11, 1923 in Empire, Ohio, son of the late Michael and Julianna Bilchak.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by siblings, John, Michael, William, Anna, Mary and infant sister Margaret. 

Surviving is his wife, Mary, of 62 years; his children, Gretchen (Bilchak) Bodnar, Columbus, Ohio, Patrick Bilchak of Cornelius, North Carolina, and Paula (David) Archer of Summerville, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Erica Bodnar of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and Adam Bodnar of Columbus, Ohio. 

Paul was retired from Edison Local School district as an elementary school principal.

He was a member of St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church, former member of Toronto Union Cemetery Board, former Lions Club and Methodist Men’s Club. Paul was a graduate of Toronto High School, Kent State University and received his Master’s in Education from University of Pittsburgh.

Paul served his country as a Sergeant during WW II in the 8th Air Force 303rd Bombardment Group.  On the 85th mission, October 11, 1944 his crew received a direct hit over Wesseling, Germany, were captured and became POWS.  Paul was highly decorated and awarded a Purple Heart.  He was recognized at the dedication of the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC, May 2009.

Visitation and funeral services for Paul will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. Visitation will be from 11am til the time of his funeral service at 1pm. Burial will follow in Toronto Union Cemetery, Toronto, Ohio.  Military Graveside Honors will be provided by Toronto American Legion Post # 86. 

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