Howard A. Pauly

Howard Allen Pauly passed away on Friday, November 11th, 2022 at the age of 65. He went peacefully, surrounded by loved ones in his Des Plaines home after a year and a half long battle with bladder cancer. Howard leaves behind many loved ones. He was the former husband to Suzette Kitsos and Maryann Kern-Pauly. Loving father to Lisa Pauly, Anita Grandt, Sabrina Pauly, and James Pauly. Step-father to Bobby, David, Johnny, and Christina Bronk. Grandfather to Thomas and Emily Aleo. Brother to Janet Pishotta, Arthur Pauly, Linda Pinka, Judy McCarragher, and deceased brother Thomas McCarragher. Son to Anita Pauly and deceased father Howard Pauly. Father-in-law to Jeff Grandt and Nate Aleo. Howard was a father to four wonderful children and was a great friend to a great many. He was known for his particular sense of humor and his willingness to help others at the drop of his iconic brown hat. Howard was someone with the skills and determination to fix anything that was broken. He was full of grit - he was tooth and nails. Howard could be a feared adversary or, if you were lucky, an incredible friend. Howard was human. Sometimes he had a short fuse. And he could definitely hold a grudge. Howard was also a bit of a prankster… to say the least. He was also a compassionate, warm, and a wonderful man. Howard will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Howard was born to Howard and Anita Pauly on Easter Sunday, April 21st, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Forest View High School. Howard was a bit of a troublemaker growing up, always keeping his teachers guessing what he would be up to next. Howard eventually left his high school and got his GED from a local night school in 1976. After high school, Howard worked mostly as a machinist and a mechanic. For many years, Howard worked 16 hours a day to provide for his large family. He also worked shortly as a house inspector, a burger maker, and also worked many odd jobs over the years. Howard was a jack of all trades. He had many hobbies. He was impressively good at wood work. He was a talented artist and was great at drawing. He built and rebuilt his hot rods. He rode motorcycles and horses. He rode motocross. He raced cars. He owned a trike. He maintained many boats over the years. He also maintained an RV that provided many vacations for his family and opportunities to leverage his skills as a mechanic… as it seemingly broke down at the worst of times. He liked archery and shooting guns. He enjoyed stargazing. He was a good cook and was good at baking. He also built an addition on his house to almost double the space they had, to accommodate his growing family. He fixed countless things around his house and at his friends' homes. He worked on plumbing, electric, carpentry, drywall, painting, welding, machining, etc. - you name it, and he has at least dabbled in it and could tell you “the right way” to get the job done. Howard had a vacation property in UP Michigan. This is somewhere where he found great joy. From fixing up the place to riding on his ATV. From boating with his family to gigantic bon fires in the yard with fallen trees he forged from his property. From riding his lawn mower, to gardening. From hiking, to carving walking sticks. From chatting with his neighbors and seeing their farm, to taking part in local events. He created a dream vacation home and he shared it with many that he loved. Howard lived a life of extraordinary challenges. He was twice divorced. He was put on disability after severely injuring his back while at work. He was the full time primary parent and caregiver to all four of his children. He lived a frugal life of modest means. He had a constant battle with chronic back pain and migraine headaches. In the face of many challenges, he demonstrated what great strength and resilience looked like. Regardless of anything life threw at him, Howard owned up to it and did his best. He wasn’t perfect, but he always got the job done and got it done right. Howard taught his children and friends many lessons. To think of others first. To always find anything you lost, no matter how long it took you to search. To always be there for those you love. To be determined to fix anything that is broken. To be frugal and not to waste. Howard was diagnosed with Bladder cancer a year and a half ago. He fought back, hard. He pushed himself further than most others would so that his family could have him just a bit longer. He was able to stay with us long enough to see his youngest son graduate high school, one of his biggest goals. Eventually, Howard, his family, and his doctors did all that they could. The cancer spread and other related sickness overtook him. He fought until the very end. Thankfully, he went without pain, in peace, in his home where he wished to pass, surrounded by his loved ones. Howard, you will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, dear brother, father, son, grandfather and friend. Arrangements entrusted to Matz Mt. Prospect Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Rand Rd, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. Celebration of Life will be at Club Casa Cafe, 353 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Howard A. Pauly

April 21, 1957 - November 11, 2022