PONTIAC —Paul A. Studnicki, 68, of Pontiac, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 13, in his home surrounded by family after a strong and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Paul was born Dec. 10, 1947, in Streator, to Joseph and Catherine (Locascio) Studnicki. He married his high school sweetheart, Sally Fellows, on April 17, 1971.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 18, at St. Mary's Church, Pontiac, with Father Adam Cesarek officiating. Burial will be in South Side Cemetery, Pontiac, with military rites accorded by American Legion Post 78. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Church, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pontiac Grade School District 429 Education Foundation; Chief City Shooters, in care of Jerry Rapp, secretary, 705 S. Mill St., Pontiac; or St. Mary's Church.

Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, is handling the arrangements.

Paul attended St. Stephen's Grade School (Streator) and graduated from Streator Township High School in 1966. He attended Illinois State University, where he received both his bachelor's (1971) and master's degrees. He also obtained numerous education administration certificates throughout his journey of lifelong learning.

His professional career started as a teacher at Lincoln Grade School (Pontiac) and ended 34 years later as the superintendent for Pontiac School District 429 from 1995 to 2004. Paul also taught in the Prairie Central District, was assistant regional superintendent of schools (1980-88), was elected regional superintendent of schools for Livingston County (1991-94), and superintendent of Graymont Grade School (1994-95).

Paul was a proud and passionate American who loved his country deeply! He served in the U.S. Army Reserves (Field Artillery) from 1971-77.

He is survived by his wife, Sally, of 44 years, and his two sons, Matthew and Jason; his sister, JoAnn Petri, of Flanagan; brother, Stephen (Debbie) Studnicki, of Pontiac; sister-in-law, Karen (John) Corder, of Streator; stepmother-in-law, Hazel Fellows, of Streator; and four nephews and one niece.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Studnicki; stepmother, Esther Hassinger Studnicki; and his father- and mother-in-law, Gordon and June Fellows.

He presently was a member of St. Mary's Church, Pontiac Elks Lodge 1019, Chief City Shooters, American Legion Post 78 and Retired Teachers & Administrators. He was a past member of Pontiac Rotary and Pontiac Sportsman Club. He served on the Livingston County Mental Health Board from 2004-2012.

Paul loved the great outdoors and was a very avid hunter and fisherman. In his retired years, he enjoyed competitive target shooting, spending time at the club with his friends and always tinkering with his guns, scopes and gear "aiming" for perfection. Paul also loved traveling both in and out of the country, and spending the winter months with friends in Arizona.

As a servant of Christ, Paul was a selfless individual who was full of life, always putting his family and friends first. We are going to miss him dearly, but we take great comfort knowing he is now with our Lord and Savior Jesus. We love you Paul (Dad)!!

This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at calvertmemorial.com.

Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes

413 N. Main St., Pontiac, IL 61764