Paul Anthony Mihalik, Sr.
May 31, 1928 – December 14, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Paul Anthony Mihalik Sr., 95, on the 14th of December 2023, with his beloved wife and three of his children by his side.
Paul is survived by his wife of 74 years, Lucy Valenzuela Mihalik of Patagonia, AZ. He is also survived by his children: Denise Heiss (Jac) of Patagonia, Cliff Mihalik (Karen) of Springdale, WA, John Mihalik (Cathy) of Healdsburg, CA, Ann McGuire (Michael) of Patagonia, Cathy Sotomayor (Fernando) of Nogales, and Stephen Mihalik (Polina)
of Asheville, NC. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Suzanne and George Mihalik, his sisters, Agnes and Rita, and brother, George. He was also preceded in death by his son, Paul Mihalik, Jr. and grandson, Jesse Mihalik.
Paul was born on 31 May 1928 in Homestead (Pittsburgh), PA. He was a first generation American born of an immigrant family from Slovakia. Like many other young Americans of the greatest generation, he joined the US Air Force in which he ultimately completed 21 years of service and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This was a source of great pride for Paul; even 50 years after his retirement, he wore his Retired Air Force baseball cap daily! After military service, Paul attained three college degrees, enabling a second successful career in education, serving as a school teacher and school administrator.
Paul had a wide range of interests throughout his life. His deep Catholic faith was a source of comfort and life-long direction, and later in life became his vocation as a lay minister and authoring several spiritual books. He had a passion for history, particularly mastering knowledge of the Civil War, the great train era and high appreciation for the history of the Patagonia area and its pioneer families. Paul truly enjoyed music and was blessed with a great voice—as the lead singer in the high school swing band, leading traditional hymns at St. Theresa’s Church, or joining local jam sessions at the Wagon Wheel Bar. And just last year he participated in a singing competition!
Paul will be remembered for his love of his family, commitment to his friends and community, service to his Nation, and his passion for his faith.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff at The Prestige Assisted Living and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care and affection for Paul. We also want to thank his friends for love and support during this difficult and sad time. A funeral mass will be announced soon. A graveside service will be held in the future with military honors.