Paul F. Dymarkowski, 1942-2012: Businessman put family, friends 1st

7/14/2012
BY MARK ZABORNEY
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Paul F. Dymarkowski, a longtime purchasing manager for whom family ties and friendships trumped corporate success, died Tuesday in Regency Hospital of complications after arterial surgery. He was 69.

Mr. Dymarkowski of Sylvania Township oversaw purchasing for Harmon Sign and a consortium of sign companies, son Doug said.

He got his start at Craft Master, a maker of paint-by-number kits, and became purchasing manager. In the late 1970s, he became materials manager and purchasing manager for the former Sheller-Globe Corp., a major automotive supplier. He was transferred to Philadelphia while his sons were in high school, but he returned to Toledo each weekend rather than move the family.

"He liked the challenge of trying to be a team player and save the company money," his son said. And his efforts were noticed at the top. The firm's chairman, Chester Devenow, once wrote to thank him for his efforts. He later worked for several years at Glasstech Inc. After hours, he invented and got a patent for a device that liquefied grass clippings so that the nutrients could be reapplied to a lawn while watering.

His grown children were guests at dinner nearly every Sunday, and he extended midweek invitations when he couldn't wait to see them again.

"The biggest thing he emphasized to us was the importance of family and friends," his son said. "He kept telling us over and over, family is all that matters."

He was born July 28, 1942, to Sophie and Andrew Dymarkowski and grew up in the Polish-American neighborhood often called "Kuschwantz." He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, where he played football. He also played football for a time at Adrian College, but returned home after the death of his father. He received an associate's degree from the University of Toledo and, later, a bachelor's degree from Siena Heights University in Adrian. He caddied at the Inverness Club to earn his high school and college tuition.

Mr. Dymarkowski was a longtime CYO basketball and football coach.

Surviving are his wife, Frances, whom he married May 2, 1964; sons, Doug and Paul; daughter, Lynn Breen; sisters, Nancy Rosen and Annette Birney, and six grandchildren.

Services are to be at 11 a.m. today in Christ the King Church, where he was a member. Arrangements are by the Walker Funeral Home. The family suggests tributes to the CYO Athletic Fund at the Toledo diocesan offices on Spielbusch Avenue.

-- Mark Zaborney