On Sunday, April 14, 2024, just hours after the green jacket was awarded at the Masters, our beloved Paul heartbreakingly left this earth. He passed surrounded by the immense love of his family. Paul was 58 years young.
He was born on February 16, 1966, to his adoring parents Carmine and Elena (2018) DeCorso. Soulmate and best friend for 43 beautiful years to Sandy (nee Kelly), a couple that was the true embodiment of young love. Devoted family man and an amazing dad to his two beautiful sons Lucas (Jessica Kouleas) and Will DeCorso. Best pal and sharer of his toast and peanut butter to his dog Daisy. Loving baby brother to Louise DeCorso (John Gwinn) and John DeCorso (Jane). Admired brother-in-law to Paula Kelly, Patty Hemsley (Scott) and Sean Kelly (Cheryl-Anne McLaughlin).
Paul was a lively, loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews and a constant in his cousins' lives. He will be greatly missed by his aunts and uncles. They all enjoyed countless laughs and fun times together over the years.
A friend to everyone, Paul touched the hearts of all those who came into his life. With so many friends, he developed numerous nicknames during the course of his life; Chief, PD, Paulo Peach, Shooter, The Other Guy, and Valigie, to name a few.
An enthusiast of many sports, his favourites were golf, hockey (Montreal Canadiens) and baseball (Toronto Blue Jays). Having a zest for life, Paul loved a good party. And a good party usually involved dancing and never ended without a shot of Grappa. Paul loved nothing more than sharing a good meal with family or friends, travelling near and far, tending to his pool, playing a ruthless game of cards and soaking up the sun in his backyard oasis where many fond memories were made.
Paul was an avid golfer, graduating in 1989 from Kent State University in Ohio, where he played on the Varsity Men's Golf Team. He was so proud to call himself a Golden Flash. He was an accomplished and honest businessman, serving many successful years at both Titleist and later with Samsonite, where he retired in 2020. Not to sit around, Paul decided shortly thereafter to work at the family business, Victoria Park East Golf Club. He was so proud of his father and uncles for having the vision and courage to build the course 50 years ago. He approached every aspect of life with determination and grace, achieving success through hard work and perseverance. His commitment to excellence served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In honouring Paul's memory, let us all strive to emulate the KINDNESS and compassion he so generously shared with the world. Paul fought a valiant fight against brain cancer for the last 10 months. He faced it bravely and with such an unprecedented will to live. He is our hero on so many fronts. Although this vicious disease has taken him from this life on earth, his bright light and legacy will shine for eternity.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Hospital Sant Pau (Barcelona, Spain), Juravinski Cancer Centre, Guelph General Hospital and Hospice Wellington for the excellent care Paul received these last 10 months.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph (519-821-5077). Family invite friends to a visitation on Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 10:00am to 2:00pm and from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 10:30am at St. John's Church, 45 Victoria Road North, Guelph, with Father Valentine officiating. Burial to follow at Marymount Catholic Cemetery, 5400 Highway 6 North, Guelph. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Wellington, Guelph General Hospital Building Fund or Juravinski Cancer Centre would be most appreciated. Donations can be made in person at the funeral home (cash or cheque accepted) or online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.
We will miss you forever. But we know that you will walk with us, guide us with your light and protect us with your unwavering strength.
We will do our best to keep your pool crystal clear, the weeds out of your lawn and keep your numerous spreadsheets, upon spreadsheets, upon spreadsheets in order. We love you higher than the sky and deeper than the ocean.