Paul Albert Cylkowski

Paul A. Cylkowski, 77, of The Villages, Florida, passed away suddenly on August 23, 2026. While his passing brings tremendous sadness to those who loved him, Paul's life leaves behind something much greater than sorrow—a lifetime of love, laughter, friendship, family and memories worth celebrating. Paul was born in Detroit, Michigan, to N. Frank and Isabel Cylkowski. In July 1968, he was drafted into the United States military and served his country in Vietnam. He completed his service in July 1970 as a Sergeant, carrying forward the strength and determination that would remain part of who he was throughout his life. Paul went on to spend 30 years working as an electrician for Ford Motor Company. After three decades of hard work, he retired and began a new chapter—one that gave him more time to enjoy the people, places and activities that made him happiest. And Paul certainly knew how to enjoy life. He loved camping, fishing, boating and golfing, spending many wonderful years enjoying the beauty of northern Michigan. He was also a talented woodworker who could take an idea and turn it into something beautiful with his own hands. Many of the things Paul created were given to family and friends, and those pieces now carry an even greater meaning. They are lasting reminders of his creativity, generosity and the care he put into the things he made for others. In retirement, Paul divided his time between Michigan and Chokoloskee, Florida, before eventually settling full-time in The Villages. There, Paul found a community and a lifestyle that seemed made for him. There was golf to play, woodworking to do, friends to entertain, food to cook and, of course, plenty of opportunities to dance. One of Paul's happiest golf moments came when he turned 75 and discovered that he could finally move up to the women's green tee with his golf group. His response was perfectly Paul: he celebrated with a little dance. It was a simple moment, but it says so much about the way Paul lived. He knew how to enjoy the moment in front of him. Paul loved dancing at the town squares in The Villages and developed many wonderful friendships there. He enjoyed bringing people together, cooking for them and opening his home to others. His pizza became particularly famous among those fortunate enough to enjoy it, earning him a reputation for making the best pizza in The Villages. Paul also never lost his curiosity. He was computer savvy, loved new gadgets and taught himself how to do many things throughout his life. He liked learning, creating, figuring things out and staying engaged with the world around him. But Paul's greatest gift had nothing to do with anything he built, cooked, fixed or learned. It was the way he treated people. Paul was loving, generous and kind. If someone needed help, he was willing to give it. He was a patient and supportive stepfather, a treasured brother and uncle, and a good friend to many. He gave freely of his time and talents, and the lives of those around him were better because he was part of them. Paul is survived by his sisters, Linda (John) Wilson and Norbel (Dan) Marolla; his very good friend, Beverly Johnson; his stepdaughters, Debrah (David) Fabray, Dawn Wolons, Darlene (Brian) Finnerty and Cindy Price; nine step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Cylkowski, and his wives, Diane Cylkowski and Joan Cylkowski. Seventy-seven years gave Paul many different chapters. He was a son and brother. A Sergeant and Vietnam veteran. An electrician. A husband and stepfather. An uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. A craftsman and fisherman. A golfer and dancer. A cook, a friend and someone people knew they could count on. But perhaps the best way to remember Paul is simply as a man who embraced his life. He worked hard when it was time to work. He helped others when they needed him. He created beautiful things with his hands. He spent time outdoors. He surrounded himself with people he cared about. He learned new things. He cooked good food. He danced. He laughed. And he never stopped finding reasons to enjoy another day. There will undoubtedly be tears because Paul will be deeply missed. But there should also be smiles when his name is spoken. Smile when you remember something he built. Smile when you remember a fishing trip, a round of golf or an evening together. Smile when you remember his pizza, his newest gadget, his generosity or one of the countless times he offered to lend a hand. And definitely smile when you picture a 75-year-old Paul doing his little victory dance because he finally got to move up to the women's tee. Those moments are his legacy. Paul's life reminds us that a life well lived isn't measured only by years. It is measured by the people we love, the friendships we make, the things we create, the kindness we give and the memories we leave behind. By that measure, Paul lived an extraordinarily rich life. His family and friends will carry him forward—not only with sadness for the man they lost, but with gratitude for the man they were fortunate enough to have. A life like Paul's deserves to be remembered with love, celebrated with laughter, and carried forward with a smile.

Paul Albert Cylkowski

December 30, 1948 - August 23, 2026