Paul James Chupka

paul james chupka
  Paul James Chupka, 84, died on January 7, 2023. He was born in Whitinsville, Massachusetts on April 19, 1938, to the late John and Mary Chupka. He Graduated from Douglas High School, in East Douglas Massachusetts. He began his career attending A and E Aviation school to become a certified aircraft mechanic. Paul then served in the United States Airforce during Vietnam, staying in his field. After his tour of service, he continued in aviation, for American Airlines for over forty years. His final five years with them, were as the crew chief for the engine shop at LAX.   Paul was a passionate outdoorsman. His love of fishing, camping and boating began early in his life in the woods of the Northeast. He enjoyed an adventurous childhood, skating on frozen ponds, ice fishing with his father, and helping his mother in the garden. He shared this love with his daughters, spending summers at the lake teaching them to catch and clean fish, and identify the local birds. Animals loved him, stray cats sought him out, squirrels would follow him down the street and even wild birds have been known to land on him.   He had a signature style, a flannel shirt and ballcap, with a clever barb rolling off his tongue. He loved to make people laugh. He knew the importance of connection and he cherished talking to friends and neighbors. His daughters were the stars that shine, his wife, the sun to center on.   Paul was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Lynn Chupka, and a sister, Margaret Lillian Ozanik. Paul is survived by his wife Margie Elizabeth Chupka, daughters, Pamela Marie (James) Tucker, and Suzanne Lee (Michael Crane) Ragone, grandchildren; Gwyneth Elizabeth Tucker, Annelynn Theresa Tucker, James Owen Tucker, Daniel James Ragone, and Matthew Paul Crane. The funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Stith Funeral Home in Danville. Deacon Brian Wentz will officiate. Pallbearers will be James Tucker, Mike Crane, Daniel Ragone, Matthew Crane, Philip Saltmarsh, and Asif Chowdhury. Visitation will be from 11-1 prior to the funeral. Burial will be at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Donations made be made to Heritage Hospice of Danville. A list of local florists, our online guestbook and Hugs from Home program are available at www.stithcares.com. Visitation: 11am to 1 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Stith Funeral Home in Danville Funeral: 1 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Stith Funeral Home in Danville Burial: Camp Nelson National Cemetery

Online Video Services

Memorial Picture Slideshow - https://youtu.be/m_2L_M-Zt2g

Funeral Service Video - https://youtu.be/sFpsYaTrBcw

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  1. Paul it was a pleasure getting to know you. We will miss your stories, sense of humor and quick smile. Love, Tim and Terry

  2. On behalf of the Manias Family, we send our deepest sympathies. Over the years our mom, Dianne, always let us know anytime you all visited or talked. I remember as a kid going camping a couple of times with our families and watching Paul water skiing, and my Dad was driving the boat. If my childhood memory serves me right, I believe Paul straddled a lake buoy that day! He was certainly tall enough to do it. I remember the laughter that day from his antics. Dad and Paul were highly mechanical too. I recall their conversations from the Airforce days. These beginnings served them well in their respective careers. Mom and Dad are unable to attend due to health issues, but know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  3. Our deepest condolences for your loss. We will always remember Paul with love and respect. When we moved into the neighborhood, he was the first one to welcome us. We became good friends, and my late husband and Pual hit it off right away. Paul was such a wonderful person and one of the most outstanding friends one could ever have. He adored his family, and he was always there to lend a hand to anyone that needed something. My husband and Paul enjoyed watching football and basketball games together. I remember that on Kevin’s first Halloween Paul came out with a little bag of cheerios. That was adorable. He was always so thoughtful and caring. We will miss our dear friend. May God bless you and your family and give your strength through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are you with and your family always. With all our love, The Kossitch Family

  4. Our deepest condolences for your loss. We will always remember Paul with love and respect. When we moved into the neighborhood, he was the first one to welcome us. We became good friends, and my late husband and Pual hit it off right away. Paul was such a wonderful person and one of the most outstanding friends one could ever have. He adored his family, and he was always there to lend a hand to anyone that needed something. My husband and Paul enjoyed watching football and basketball games together. I remember that on Kevin’s first Halloween Paul came out with a little bag of cheerios. That was adorable. He was always so thoughtful and caring. We will miss our dear friend. May God bless you and your family and give your strength through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are you with and your family always. With all our love, The Kossitch Family


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