Paul Gonya

Paul Russell Gonya, aged 83, of Fremont, Ohio, passed away on November 5, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born on July 27, 1941 to Russell and Helen (Snyder) Gonya, Paul dedicated his life to his family and his work, leaving behind a legacy of strong family values and a commendable work ethic.

Paul graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1959 and spent his career in various roles that connected him deeply with his community and the outdoors. He was President of Gonya Farms Inc., during the expansion of the family's pickle business, and worked as a hunting guide at the Ottawa Shooting Club. His career also included stints as a commercial fisherman, a bread truck driver for Tony's Bakery, and a fuel truck driver for Fremont Oil.

 A man of faith, Paul was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. Ann's Catholic Church. His hobbies included supporting his children and grandchildren at local sporting events, playing golf, and cheering for all Cleveland sports teams. He was an avid Buckeye fan who raised a pack of Wolverines. He was also a highly competitive card player, a league bowler at Maple Lanes, and one of the founding members of the annual Gonya-Hull Game Feed. In his youth, he enjoyed ice skating, playing hockey and jumping barrels on Muddy Creek in addition to playing softball. In retirement, he loved vacationing in Florida with family and friends.

Paul is survived by Donna Gonya, his loving wife of 61 years; sons, Terry (Laura) of Davidson, NC, Brian (Julie) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Jeffery (Leslie) of Dayton, OH, and Jason of Houston, TX; daughter, Dee Dee (Steve) Foos of Fremont, OH; brother, Charles Gonya; sisters-in-law, Betty and Lois Gonya, Ann Lochotzki, and Marge St. Bonore, brothers-in-law Karl Gates, Donald and Dennis Lochotzki and George St Bonore; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; five step-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Helen Gonya; in-laws, Wilbert and Mabel Lochotzki; brother, Raymond Gonya; sisters-in-law, Barbara Gates and Kathleen Lochotzki and niece, Kathleen Johnson.

A special thank you to the teams at Home Instead, Ottawa County Riverview Healthcare and Heartland Hospice for all of the care, support and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, Heartland Hospice or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, honoring his commitment to both health advocacy and community support. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday November 9, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hanneman-Keller Funeral Home at 416 S. Arch St. Fremont, OH 43420. Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 550 Smith Rd, Fremont, OH. Burial will follow immediately after Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

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