Paul J. Ziarko, 79, of Steubenville, OH, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the Valley Hospice Care Center North in Steubenville, OH.

Paul was born on April 2, 1947, in Steubenville, son of the late Paul P. and Florence (Burstynowicz) Ziarko. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael Ziarko, and his sister-in-law, Mary Pasquarella.

He graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School in 1965 and worked as an electrician for Weirton-Steel until retiring in 1995. Always eager to stay busy, Paul returned to work as a salesman for Drummond Industries, later served as a handyman with Barone Realty in Weirton, WV, and most recently worked in maintenance in the warehouse for Laurel Food System in Pittsburgh.

Paul enjoyed caring for his yard, tending his garden in earlier years, and maintaining his flower beds. He also loved fishing, especially along the Ohio River.

Paul leaves behind his wife, Peggy J. (Nation) Ziarko, whom he married March 29, 1969; his children, John Paul Ziarko of Mt. Pleasant, OH, and Sarah (Tom) Koehnlein of Richmond, OH; four grandchildren, Gage Ziarko (fiancé Keelee), Kyle Koehnlein, Michele Ziarko, and Kayla Koehnlein; a great-granddaughter, Iris Ziarko; two brothers, David (Linda) Ziarko of Toronto, OH, and Greg Ziarko of DuBois, PA; brothers-in-law, Rocco Pasquarella of Steubenville, Frank Nation of Mingo Jct., OH, and Charles Nation of Steubenville, along with several loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements for Paul are private and in the care of the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto, OH.