Paul Anthony Wereszynski

January 28, 1942 - May 17, 2023

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Calling hours are Sunday, May 21 from 1–5 p.m. at Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, 27 Smith Ave.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 22 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 467 Delaware Ave.

A reception will follow.

Paul Anthony Wereszynski, 81, of Kingston, who died May 17, 2023 at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, was known by many names. His childhood pals and cousins in Utica called him “Paulie” or “Little Red.” To the Woodstock kids of the late 1960s-80s who played Saturday morning basketball and spent summers at the town’s rec program, he was “Coach.” Decades of Onteora High School students called him simply: “Mr. W.” He was the “Polish Prince” to the members of the White Eagle Benevolent Society. And he was known as “The Big Guy” with the biggest heart to his circle of close friends, Onteora Lions Club members and fellow Immaculate Conception Church parishioners. But the names he cherished most were “Big Brother,” “Hūsband,” “Dad,” “Uncle Paul” and “Dziadzi.” Paul left a lasting legacy of friendship, mentorship and charitable giving; he impacted generations and will continue to impact more.

Born January 28, 1942 in Utica, N.Y., he was the son of the late Vincent and Catherine (Dziechciowski) Wereszynski. Paul was a graduate of Holy Trinity Elementary School and Utica Free Academy. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Utica College, where he developed his dedication to serving others as a member of Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, and a master’s degree from Syracuse University.

Mr. W. spent the majority of his 30-plus year distinguished teaching career in the business department at Onteora High School, where he managed the school store and served as adviser to DECA, which prepares students for careers in marketing, finance and management. As adviser he founded the OCS Toys for Tots campaign and served as judge coordinator for Region 3 and state competitions, and on the NY DECA Board of Trustees. He was named NY State Marketing Teacher of the Year and awarded by NY DECA with an Outstanding Service Award and Honorary Life Award. 
Paul was a founding member of the Onteora Lions Club and served as vice president.

He was a faithful and active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church for more than 50 years and a longstanding member of the White Eagle Benevolent Society, for which he served as president, chair of 100th anniversary committee, and chair of the scholarship committee.

Paul was a devoted fan of Syracuse University sports, the NY Giants and the NY Mets. He loved music, particularly Golden Oldies and showtunes, and was known for having “a song for everything.” As a believer in the importance of sportsmanship, in Utica he coached Kiwanis and Little League baseball, and basketball at Holy Trinity. He also managed Woodstock Rec programs, and coached CYO basketball in Kingston and the freshman basketball team and winning track team at Onteora High.

He is survived by Karen, his loving “Wifie” and partner of more than 50 years; daughters, Kathleen (Sean) Murray, and Michelle (Michael) Brenes; grandsons, Connor Vincent Murray and Nathan Paul Brenes; brother, Leonard (Leeanne) Wereszynski; sister, Judy (Scott) Buehler; sister-in-law, Julie (David) Tasker; nephews, Aaron, Mark and Stephen Brundage and their families; many cousins; honorary nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends.

The family would like to thank the priests, nurses, therapists and health aides who cared for Paul during his six-year journey, and the staff in the ICU at HealthAlliance during the last two weeks.
Karen is especially grateful to Paul’s personal doctor and dear friend Dr. Barry Goldman, and devoted personal trainer Ralph Vanacore for the motivation and fantastic conversations.

Donations in honor of Paul Wereszynski / Mr. W. can be made in his name to the following:
White Eagle Scholarship Fund, 487 Delaware Ave., Kingston, NY 12401
Onteora Scholarship Fund; email Lisa Casey: lcasey@onteora.k12.ny.us or call 845-657-2373, ext. 2110
Immaculate Conception Church, 467 Delaware Ave., Kingston, NY 12401

https://www.jvleahyfh.com/obituary/paul-wereszynski