In honor of Paul James Policicchio
On the evening of Tuesday, November 5th, Paul passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by his beloved family at the age of 63.
Paul was a leader to service workers, a bright voice to his friends and an embodiment of love to his family. Paul's greatest joys were experienced with his family as a proud husband and father. He provided his wife Michon and three sons experiences and memories that they cherish. Paul battled pancreatic cancer for nearly two years with strength, determination and dignity that impacted all around him.
Paul was born outside of Pittsburgh, PA to John and Jane Policicchio. His family included his sister Sara and countless cousins that grew up around him. He met Michon Koval, his love and sunshine, in high school before attending Gannon University. At Gannon, Paul met lifelong friends as a member of Delta Sigma Phi.
Paul began his career with Service Employees International Union (S.E.I.U.) in 1972 as a research specialist in Washington D.C. His first permanent assignment began in 1973 in Detroit, MI with S.E.I.U. Local 79. At age 37, Paul became the youngest President elected at Local 79, one of the largest Local Labor unions in Michigan. That same year, he was also named S.E.I.U. International Vice President and he subsequently became President of S.E.I.U. Central States Conference and Officer of Metro AFL-CFO. Paul was instrumental in establishing Michigan Employee Benefit Services (MEBS), which provides health care benefits to thousands of individuals and families. Paul was honored by the Jewish National Fund with the Tree of Life Award in recognition of his concern for his fellow man. He was also named Man of the Year by the Boy's Town of Italy. Paul retired as an Executive Vice President of S.E.I.U. International Union at the age of 51. After his professional career, he assisted the city of Novi serving a Park and Recreation Commissioner.
Paul loved nature, hiking, reading, travel, camping, holidays and carpentry. He also had a love for animals, especially his golden retriever and friend, Zoey. Above all, he took great pride in being with his family. Over the years Paul frequently traveled domestically and internationally with his family. His parents, John and Jane always tagged along.
Paul is survived by wife Michon and sons John Paul, Joseph Paul, and Jeffrey Paul; Mother Jane Policicchio and sister Sara (Policicchio) Phillip with her husband Gil, son Mark (Paul's godson) and daughters Nicole and Jane Marie (Phillip) Portelli; Jane Marie's husband AJ and daughter Gemma. Brother-in-law of Drew (Teresa) Koval and the late Kurt Koval. Uncle of Nathaniel and Dmitri Koval.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8th from 2:00PM-9:00PM at O'Brien-Sullivan Funeral Homes at 41555 Grand River Ave, Novi , Prayer Service Friday 7:00PM. In State Saturday, November 9th from 1:30PM until the funeral liturgy at 2:00PM at St. James Church at 46325 Ten Mile Rd in Novi.
In honor of Paul, donations can be made to Novi Parks and Recreation at 45175 W 10 Mile Rd., Novi, Mi. Additional donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Research through The Lustgarten Foundation at http://www.lustgarten.org .