Paul Richard Katonak

AIKEN, SC - Paul Richard Katonak, 91, beloved husband of Diana Lynne Katonak, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026.

He was known as Paul to his wife, Dad to his children and Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. And he was larger than life to his family. Growing up during the depression, he learned what it meant to ration food, household goods and gas. Using coupons and only buying items on sale was natural for him and he tried, not always succeeding, in passing this trait on to his children.

Growing up as an only child in Lorain, Ohio, to Paul and Arlene Katonak, he was taught to work hard. He learned carpentry from his dad and together they spent five years building his parents’ dream house. His mom worked at the Lorain Shipyard and was a loving, caring mother.

He married Lynne Hartley while a junior at Case Tech University in 1954. After graduation, he was offered a position with E.I. Dupont in Aiken. Heading up the computer department when computers were pretty much non-existent, Dad embraced this new technology. He and Mom had three children, and our home was filled with love, laughter and experiences.

In retirement, he took up music, dancing and traveling. He was often seen around Aiken square dancing, shag dancing or playing the saxophone with the USCA New Horizon senior band.

He will be deeply missed and survived by his wife, Lynne Katonak; his daughter, Wendy Fitzgerald and his son, Brian Katonak (Carrie Katonak, spouse), seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Belinda Lee Tate. He will be remembered for the man, the father and the person he was. The earth has lost a wonderful man, but heaven has gained an incredible angel.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Aiken SPCA, https://www.letlovelive.org/ or to FOTAS, https://www.fotasaiken.org/.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.