Paul Zola

A Memorial Mass is planned at St. Teresa of Avila, Buell Street, Akron, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5 for Paul Henry Zola, who was called by his Creator to return home on the 14th of June 2020 after a surprise diagnosis of a Glioblastoma in February.  He fought hard for several months to slow the progress of a very aggressive form of brain cancer.

Following the Memorial mass, there will be a short memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Crittenden, NY, where he will be laid to rest with his parents Michael and Florence Zola.

Paul was born on April 19, 1951.  He is survived by brothers Anthony and Michael (Beth), wife Arleen (nee Schoenfeld), children Ashley (W. Taylor Poteat) and Michael and grandchildren Caleb, Emily, and Kaylee.

Paul graduated from Akron Central in 1969.  He worked for Whiting Door Mfg Corp. in Akron, New York for 41 years, relocating to Hendersonville, TN in 1989 as an Area Manager for the company. He was well respected by his co-workers and customers and took great pride in his work and held a number of offices within the trucking industry trade associations.

He was someone who never knew a stranger. He could walk up to anyone and start up a conversation.  “I might be able to sell them a door!” he would say.

Paul enjoyed playing golf, was an avid follower of Xavier basketball and Buffalo Bills football, playing trombone in the Akron Community Band, traveling, volunteering at the Our Lady of the Lake Parish, and enjoying the company of friends and family.  Paul could bring light to a room with his smile and personality.

As Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Paul Zola has left his brightness wherever he traveled and likely will keep many who knew him motivated to keep his positive spirit alive by paying it forward to others.

If you plan to attend please email inspiringzola@gmail.com  or call Ashley Zola at 571-309-0752.