Obituary of Paul W. Hurlbut

Paul W. Hurlbut of Youngstown, NY died peacefully in his home, August 21, 2015. He was 89 years old. Born on October 29, 1925 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, he was the only child of Rollin and Elizabeth (Fox) Hurlbut. A distinguished American WWII veteran, Paul was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a Combat Zone while serving with the 187th Glider Infantry, a section of the 11th Airborne Division operating in the Philippines. Upon discharge, Paul worked for the Oneida Community in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where he met and fell in love with a lovely young accounting clerk, Betty Daly. They were married July 9, 1949 in Winnipeg and a few years later moved to Niagara Falls, NY with their young family. In keeping with his expansive personality, Paul gravitated towards sales and was employed as Classified Advertising Manager and National Advertising Manager at the Niagara Gazette until his retirement in 1989. Believing strongly in the value of public service, Paul was an active member of the Niagara Home Builders, Niagara Realtors Association, Auto Dealers Association, and assumed leadership roles as President of the Youngstown Lions Club, and as a Campaign Director for the United Giver's Fund. He was a long time member of the Youngstown Presbyterian Church, where he served as an usher. Paul was passionate about sports car racing and was long time member of the Race Communications Association of America. Paul approached every endeavor with positive energy. A devoted family man and lover of the great outdoors, he and Betty thought nothing of loading the kids into the car and criss-crossing the country on epic camping trips. He took a special joy in celebrating birthdays and holidays, coming up with the most thoughtful gifts, and created several one of a kind books filled with family photos and silly poems for Betty to honor such occasions. In retirement, Paul and Betty traveled abroad, wintered in Florida, and spent time with their grandchildren. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Betty, and his children: Sheila Schreiber (Thomas Miles) of Niagara Falls, Jo-Anne White (Frank) of Houston, TX, Bruce Hurlbut (Kim) of Little Rock, AR and Heather Yanofsky (John Crumlish) of Buffalo, NY; his eight grandchildren, Jeremy and Megan Schreiber (Kevin James); Ellen White; Jared, Galen and Madison Yanofsky; and Josh and Aaron Hurlbut; and two great grandchildren, Dominique and Kevin James II. He will be missed. A memorial service, followed by Military Honors, will be held Tuesday, September 8, at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 100 Church St. Youngstown, NY with the Rev. Charles Lamb officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company P.O. Box 387, Youngstown, NY 14174. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Rd. Ransomville, NY.