Paul Anthony Druskis, 62, of Clearwater, FL was born on August 14, 1948 and passed away on May 5, 2011 at Bay Pines VA Health Care System, Bay Pines, FL.
He is survived by his daughter, Denise Hutchison, husband Jeff, and his 2 grandsons, Bradley and Logan; all of Corydon, Iowa; his longtime companion, James Pagel of Clearwater, Florida, and 4 brothers, Charles “Sonny” Druskis, of Omaha, Nebraska, Ron Druskis and wife Connie of Papillion, Nebraska; Richard Druskis of Omaha, Nebraska and Larry Druskis and wife, Jill of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Monica Druskis and his brother Tim Druskis.
Paul was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He joined the Navy at the age of 17, serving in Vietnam during 2 tours beginning in October, 1965. He was honorably discharged from active duty into the Naval Reserve in February of 1969. While serving he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal (2 Bronze Stars), the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. In January 1968, Paul married Connie Michalek and to this union was born his only child, Denise, in 1970. They later divorced. While in Washington, DC, Paul accepted a position with the Secret Service, guarding the White House, during the Nixon administration. He held that position until 1972 and lived in the DC / Virginia area for many years. Paul always loved to travel, and was lucky enough to work for a travel agency guiding tours to different locations around the world.
In 1980 he moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. He became an accomplished ballroom dancer, and worked as a dance instructor and competed in State Ballroom Dance competitions. In the 80’s he also lived in Phoenix, Arizona and Des Moines, Iowa and then returned to the St. Pete Beach / Clearwater area. He worked for State Farm Insurance as a Sales agent from 1989 to 1993. He then followed his ever-present entrepreneurial spirit and began a business buying and selling antiques and collectibles. In 1998 he began working for Fidelity National Tax Service as a property tax analyst and was promoted to Assistant Manager of Real Estate Tax Search Department, when Fidelity opened an east coast branch in Jacksonville, Florida. That branch closed, and he returned to Clearwater and pursued self-employment again, starting his own retail liquidation business, selling products on various e-commerce websites. Although “retired”, he recently had begun working for Carnival Cruise Lines as a Guest Logistics Agent checking in people at the port of Tampa, and continued this and his liquidation business until his illness would no longer allow. Paul had an adventurous soul and a never-give-up attitude. He followed the belief that prosperity was just around the corner, and he was willing to try many new and different things in his quest for it. He loved entertaining, cultural arts, and spending time with his friends and family. He will be greatly missed.
Memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:45 p.m. on Friday, June 24th, 2011 at Bay Pines National Cemetery (727) 398-9426. Celebration of Life to follow from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn Harborside, 401 2nd St., Indian Rocks Beach, FL on the South Deck at Rum Runners Tiki Bar.
Please sign the registry below.
Our deepest sympathy, you are in our thoughts and prayers. lea & joe
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a kind man with a wonderful smile. I will miss him.
I will miss my dear friend and all our long telephone conversations. Denise, he was so proud of you and your family. He talked of you all the time that I feel I know you. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Brenda Benson
I knew Paul from the time he was 15 years old. We were married for over 4 years and I have him to thank for my beautiful daughter,Denise. He will be greatly missed by one and all. He really loved his daughter and grandsons. Peace be with you Paul, I will miss you!! Connie
Some of my dearest memories will be of you coming to visit me in Phoenix and keeping you for 2 years. How we would sit on your bed with our wine and solve all the Worlds problems. Driving to Laughlin and discussing all the crosses on the roadside. Your cross will always be in my heart. Until we meet again, all my love. Cousin CarolSue
Some of my dearest memories will be of you coming to visit me in Phoenix and keeping you for 2 years. How we would sit on your bed with our wine and solve all the Worlds problems. Driving to Laughlin and discussing all the crosses on the roadside. Your cross will always be in my heart. Until we meet again, all my love. Cousin CarolSue
Some of my dearest memories will be of you coming to visit me in Phoenix and keeping you for 2 years. How we would sit on your bed with our wine and solve all the Worlds problems. Driving to Laughlin and discussing all the crosses on the roadside. Your cross will always be in my heart. Until we meet again, all my love. Cousin CarolSue
James, our thought’s and prayers are with you at this time. Remember the good days and the smiles you shared together !. When your days on earth have ended and your pathway you have stroad , may your name in GOLD be written in the autograph book of god !.
Thoughts and prayers,
Jim – just a note to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your very dear friend, Paul. I’m so happy I got to meet Paul a few times and saw what a sweet, funny, man he was. Paul will always be with you in your memories.
Hugs from me to you – Janet
We will miss you, Paul.
Hi Paul,
I was just thinking about you and how you were such an optimist. I miss seeing your smiling face… I hope you’re having fun in Heaven!
-ashley
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