Tom Paknik passes away

Tom Paknik, Class of 1951 valedictorian, passed away Monday, Aug. 11.

He is survived by sister, Mildred Paknik Vozniak, Class of 1948, who married Chester Vozniak.

He was predeceased by brother John Paknik, Class of 1946, and sister Elizabeth Paknik, Class of 1945.

If you have memories of the Paknik family and its nine children, email John Olesky at jo4wvu@neo.rr.com and I’ll add the information to this Monongah High Alumni blog article.

Tom’s obituary:

Thomas Paknik (December 15, 1932 - August 11, 2014) Thomas Paknik, 81, of Monongah, went to be with the Lord on Monday (August 11, 2014) at Ruby Memorial Hospital. Tom was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving after his graduation as the Valedictorian of his 1951 Monongah High School class. After his Honorable service, Tom attended West Virginia University, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1958 and a Master of Arts in 1963. After graduation, he moved to New York to accept a position as Accountant for Grinnell, a worldwide piping corporation, until his retirement in 1998. Tom was an avid golfer and a very giving person. He contributed to many charities including the Air Force Memorial Fund and the WVU Scholarship Fund. He was born on December 15, 1932, son of the late Samuel Paknik, Sr. and Anna Cernak Paknik. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Ann Roubian, Susan May, Christine Paknik and Elizabeth Paknik; and three brothers, Samuel Jr., Steve and John Paknik. He is survived by a sister, Mildred Paknik Vozniak of Monongah; and sister-in-law, Ida Mae Paknik of Fairmont. Tom was a thoughtful and caring man and will be greatly missed by his nieces; Twila Paknik Hammel, Linda Paknik, Brenda Paknik Nagem, Rhonda Vozniak, Susan Boland, Tracy Vozniak and Karen Prizzi; nephews, John Paknik, Jr. and David Paknik; Great-Nieces Jessica Coleman, Cayley Paknik, Jessica Raikes and Julianna Nagem; Great-Nephews Elisha Paknik, John Paknik, Ill, Daniel Paknik, Christopher Michael Beckett, Thomas William Boland, Benjamin Vozniak; and several Great-Great Nieces and Nephews. Family and friends may call at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Ave. in Fairmont from 1 to 8p.m. Friday and 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 16, in the funeral home with The Reverend Matthew Holbert officiating. Interment will follow at Shinnston Masonic Cemetery with full military rights being performed at graveside by the Marion County Veteran’s Council.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.domicofh.com .