Gunia, Paul Joseph
Paul Joseph Gunia, 61, September 3, 1956 to June 6, 2018. Due to a tragic car accident. Loving father of Adam and Katrina Gunia; beloved ex- husband of Lynn Gunia; brother of Michael ( Sue) Gunia and the late Diane ( Ronald) Scala; son of the late Joseph and the late Cecilia Gunia, wonderful uncle and granduncle to many nieces and nephews; son- in- law of the late Helen Hall.
Paul was a wonderful, generous, kind and loving family man with a quick smile, charming wit and a hand ready to help anyone.
Paul and Lynn met July 5, 1974 at a bowling alley and have been together ever since. Paul was 17 years old and Lynn was a month shy of turning 17. Lynn fell in love with Paul’s bright, mint green eyes and Paul loved her lavender hot pants. They married on November 5, 1977. They were married 29 years and 3 months. They were divorced in 2007. But they decided to stay together and share the house and raise their children.
They continued to share meals together, every Saturday was pizza night, never fail, had coffee together. Paul loved his coffee. He’d make a full pot and drink it throughout the day. On Paul’s days off he’d walk for a newspaper, then Lynn would cook breakfast, then they’d read the paper and discuss the topics. In 1982 for Lynn’s birthday, Paul surprised her with a Springer Spaniel puppy, Lady. That was to be the start of a menagerie of strays and adoptees of dogs, cats, birds and rabbits. Throughout their lives together they acquired 20 pets. Paul loved and adored each and every one of those fur babies. Every time Lynn left the house, she’d bring another fur baby home. Paul would say “Not another one.” But they’d look at each other and start to laugh. He never, ever said no. So, the stray would have a loving and permanent home because of Paul.
They loved going on day trips to Richmond, IL, Twin Lakes, WI by Lake Mary, Union, IL and Brookfield Zoo, that was their favorite place to be. They loved the zoo and were members.
They really did enjoy each other’s company. Even if they just pulled weeds in the yard or shoveled snow together. Paul loved Lynn’s homegrown tomatoes and basil. He couldn’t wait for the tomatoes to ripen, because that meant tomato and basil salad. Lynn would make the salad and they’d have it for dinner with Italian bread, mozzarella cheese and a glass of Paisano wine. Perfect summer dinner. Lynn became a better cook because of Paul. He enjoyed being the taste tester. Lynn made millions of dishes and Paul loved all of them. Except one, champagne chicken with peas. So she never made it again for him.
Paul’s life was taken too soon from him and his family, from a man who chose to break the law. This was a reckless, thoughtless, selfish and neglectful act. Paul was a creature of habit and always followed the rules. Paul’s life was taken away in the beat of a heart.
This man took away a loving father to his children, a companion, friend and partner to Lynn and a wonderful “Daddy” to all the fur babies. Paul’s family is beside themselves wondering how they will ever get on with their lives without him. There is a huge void that Paul will be truly missed by his loving family, friends and his WSH family. Paul was a very loyal employee at West Suburban Hospital since April 1, 1991, 27 years and 2 months. Paul loved his WSH family and treasured their friendship.
We will always love you, now and forever. Paul, you will always be on our minds and in our hearts. One day we shall be reunited together in Heaven and our family will be complete once again. Please be waiting at the Pearly Gates to greet us with your smile, as we arrive. Until we meet again, with all our love forever, Lynn, Adam and Katrina.
How can I put into words 31 years of experiences? A few of my favorite hobbies come from my father. Some of my earliest memories are of him and I building model kits. My very first kit was of a little van that my dad helped me build; while my latest kit was of the HMS Hood I bought from a hobby shop he and I visited. Another love of mine that I get from my father is a love of trains. From countless days spent at the railroad to building a model railroad, trains have always been a prominent part of his and my life. Thank you Dad, for my two greatest pastimes and for so much more. You were a very good man. You will be deeply missed by all who knew you. I love you Dad. Adam.
Dad, You were the first man I ever loved. I’m going to miss listening to Sweet Child O’ Mine, F* I* N* E, and Perfect Strangers while you drive me to the Franklin Park train station, our Good Night hand shake, playing Rummy that “one hand” turned into 12, chilling on the sofa watching TV, going ice skating and playing catch in the yard. You gave me my love for the Beatles and Aerosmith and because of you I am a Cubs and Blackhawks fan. Watching the games just won’t be the same without you next to me. Through hard times, you weren’t big on talk but you would just sit in silence with your arm around me.
It’s all still fresh that I lost you, I just hope you know how much I love you and how much I’m going to miss you and the memories we should have been able to have together. Hand Thing love you, Dad. XOXO Katrina. Visitation Saturday 3: 00 p. m. until time of service 8: 00 p. m. at the Original Rago Brothers Norridge Chapel, 7751 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. Arrangements by Giancola Funeral & Cremation, 800.975.432.