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Many lost a piece of their hearts as heaven gained one of the best men.
Paul E. McCloskey, Sr. passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 23, 2024.
He was the husband of Donna J. (Hanley) McCloskey, whom he shared a 60-year marriage with since Jan. 4, 1964.
Paul was born in Beech Creek, Pa., on Oct. 9, 1938, to Jesse and Ruby (Wadsworth) McCloskey.
He joined the Navy from Jan. 7, 1957-1961, on the USS Beal in Norfolk, Va. He was also in the Army Reserves. Following his time in the service, he worked at American Color & Chemical and retired from Rutgers Neese Chemical.
Shortly after retirement, he returned to work at Furst Corner Store and then the Creekside Restaurant.
He was a member of the Beech Creek American Legion, Lock Haven Moose Lodge, Lock Haven Sons of Italy and the 40&8 Chateau.
He will be remembered by many for many reasons. Regardless of how you knew him, you were proud you did and could agree he was one of the best men you'd ever encountered.
He was a faithful husband, a loving father and a caring (great) grandfather. Other than a "poke a twenties," there was nothing he wanted more than to make someone laugh with a joke and put a smile on their face.
He was a simple man, content with his routine to life. A "fresh pot a coffee" to start the days. Exercise was for sure to follow even into his 70s. In time, physical activity got replaced with his tonic water "mixture" and followed with "pill time" and "eye drops." Regardless of any necessary change which occurred, he always maintained his routine and just let the rest of the world fall into place accordingly.
His calm demeanor was paced by a whistle or a hum -- often the rhythm of a country song familiar to him. If he was snapping bubbles between his teeth, he was for sure to offer you a "stick a gum" -- he always had Extra.
Old western reruns were permanent on the TV as he relaxed in his recliner with a "piece a candy," unless the Yankees had a game -- he never missed one of those and could call a home run like no other. He was truly their biggest fan.
His fandom was one of a kind and that energy trickled down into cheering on his grandkids, too, -- especially that 2011 Keystone Little League World Series run. He had a whistle so unique it could pierce your ear amongst 40,000 cheering fans.
Mustard was a topping for everything and if anything was good enough for seconds then "it tastes like more" to him -- especially chili or rivel soup.
He was a great story teller -- from hitchhikes to Virginia and back, pickup softball games at the Monument ball diamond, to Navy ship travels to Canada -- he always had a gem and it was a joy to listen when he would reminisce.
His love and presence was always felt and that doesn't change now. He impacted all he encountered and instilled himself in all of his family. He will live on forever because of this. That's the definition of a legend.
Survived by his spouse, Donna J. McCloskey; his sister, Elenor "Sue" Wise; his sister-in-law, Rose McCloskey; his children, Brenda McCloskey, Paul McCloskey, Jr. and Jeffrey (Bobbie Jo) McCloskey; his grandchildren, Brett (Kirstin) McCloskey, Trisha McCloskey (Shane Farley), Seth Lowery (Tori Ritenour), Hayley (Ian) Berry, Jordan McCloskey and Tyler McCloskey (Brandy Gregory); and his great-grandchildren, Charlotte McCloskey, Kensington Berry, Benson Berry, Estella Beury and Isabella Beury.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jesse (Edna), James, Allan "Dave" (Shirley), and Arthur.
Friends and family will be received at Singer-Kader-Neff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 135 W. Main St., Howard, for visitation on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., and on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, from 10-11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. www.singerkaderneff.com