Paul M Mastny

Paul M. Mastny, 58, of Mt. Morris IL, formerly of Berwyn IL, died February 13, 2015 in his home, lovingly tended by his family, following a twenty-month battle with cancer. He was born June 15, 1956 in Hinsdale IL to George and Aloysia (Sirovatka) Mastny. Paul attended St. Leonard Elementary School and Morton West High School in Berwyn IL. After high school Paul spent three years in the army, stationed at Fort Campbell KY. Upon returning home after his discharge 1977, he met Julie Bonaguidi; they married on March 10, 1979. In 1989 they moved with their two children to Oregon IL, where Paul worked as a fuel handler at the Exelon Byron Generating Station until his retirement. Paul was the quintessential tough guy - strong, often guarded and self-contained, but always a loving, fierce protector. He was, and will be, fondly remembered by family and friends for his horseplay. He was mechanically inclined and good at home repair and remodeling. He enjoyed music from blues to bluegrass, books, good wine (or vodka), cars, motorcycles, hiking, kayaking, a hot campfire. An articulate man, he also reveled in time spent at home with lots of laughter and debate. He especially cherished his wife Julie, with whom he travelled around the country, exploring new places and revisiting old ones; he loved his children beyond measure and that great love carried over to his grandchildren. Paul was blessed with a large, close-knit family, and although he would have considered it sappy to verbalize, they were his favorite people and he loved spending time with them. He was a grouch with a secret smile and a soft spot for little ones who crawled into his lap; "Grandpa was a pretty cool guy who knew how to play, and he made good Kool-Aid." We are all sorry as hell to lose him so soon, and happy that we had him as long as we did. Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Julie (Bonaguidi), their two children, Briana (Robin) Perlot of Westchester and Adam (Sarah) Mastny of Aurora, and four grandchildren, Harrison and Zane Perlot and Abigail and Henry Mastny. The third oldest of eight siblings, he leaves behind Ellen (Jerry) Patterson of Darien, Frank (Diane) Mastny of Berwyn, Jim Mastny of Westchester, Jeanie (Dan) Brown of Addison, Chris (Kathy) Mastny of Sycamore, and Miles (Yadi) Mastny of Darien, as well as close friends and cousins Cathy (John) Pokropinski, Barbara (Phil) Curle, Lois Lepsi, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bob (Mary) Mastny, all formerly of Berwyn. There was a private gathering in the home prior to cremation; a memorial service will be held in late spring.