Paul D. Demko

Paul Daniel Demko Sr. age 86 of Chardon, OH died Sunday, May 27, 2012 at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Hts., OH. Born October 5th , 1925 in Cleveland, OH to Joseph and Anna (Nee: Zofalik) Demko he has been a resident of Chardon since 1932. He attended elementary school at the East Claridon School. Since his parents worked in Cleveland, and the local weather was not conducive to travel during the winter months, the family would spend their winters in Cleveland, and the summers in East Claridon. Paul then graduated from Glenville High School in 1944. Paul was still meeting customers at his convience store until 2 weeks ago. He started his business in 1948, with the first drive in restaurant in the area. As times changed, so did his business, transitioning into a local general store. As needs were changing, he then added, camping supplies, little league baseball equipment, fishing and hunting gear, fishing bait, candy for the kids, pop, groceries, etc. etc. etc. Today you will find lottery tickets, adult beverages, healthy smiles and good conversation. Paul Daniel Demko married Beverly McBride, a Chardon girl, in Covington, Kentucky, on September 16, 1948. She preceded him in death on September 21, 2003. Paul and his wife enjoyed traveling the world, having visited China, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Mexico, Europe and Eastern Europe, Morocco, Africa, and Canada. Both were pilots, and they flew their airplane to Bimini, Cay Islands, and multiple times to the west coast. Part of the adventure in their travels, was always turning strangers into friends. One of Paul’s favorite destinations starting in 1957, has grown into a favorite destination of many, Las Vegas, Nevada. He is survived by his daughter Deborah (Michael) DiJullio of Larkspur, CO. and son Daniel (Deborah Lynn Dean) Demko, Jr. of Burton, OH; grandchildren Todd Daniel (Denise) Demko of Dunedin, FL and Kellie Dean Demko of Ft. Myers, FL; great grandchildren Austin and Kelsie Dean Warren; sister Dolores (Ray) Hietanen of East Claridon, OH; brother Joseph (Jean) Demko of Englewood, FL; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Anna (Nee: Zofalik) Demko and his wife Beverly McBride Demko. Private family services were held. Donations are suggested to the Food Cupboard c/o Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 So. Hambden St., Chardon, OH 44024.