Paul Robert Groeschel Jr.'s Obituary
Paul Robert Groeschel, Jr., of Cornelius, NC, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, August 7, 2025, while vacationing with family at Carolina Beach, NC. Born on January 29, 1946, in Jersey City, NJ, he was the third of eight children born to Paul Robert Groeschel, Sr. and Elizabeth Donahue Groeschel. He is predeceased by his parents, an older sister, Betty Ann Fretel (Ted) and his brother Gene Groeschel (Diane). He is survived by: Joy Ritchey (Irish), Elaine Mills, Carol M. Groeschel, Susan Lovelette (Darrell) and Barbara Girard (David).
Paul was a communicant at St. Therese Catholic Church, a member of the Jetton Park Walking Group and the Bad Boys Brunch Bunch. Aside from going out to eat, Paul's favorite activities were being with his family, playing golf, dancing of any kind and annually watching the Buffalo Bills attempt to win a Super Bowl.
He grew up in Lancaster, PA and graduated from St. Francis College in Loretto, PA where he was class president twice and a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He received his MA in finance from R.I.T. and an Advanced Management degree from Harvard.
After college, Paul joined Eastman Kodak Company and two months later married his college sweetheart, Carol Karpinski. They celebrated their 57th anniversary in July. Paul was so very proud of his four wonderful children: Christine M. Skonieczny (Sketch), Paul S. Groeschel (Amelia), Catherine E. Reimels (Mike) and Brian P. Groeschel (Amanda) and his "Fantastic Fourteen" grandchildren: Jourdan Thomas (Alex), Anthony Cascario (Ellesse), Cassie Moll (Dan), E. Joey Skonieczny, Charlie Skonieczny, Annie Reimels, Jacqi Skonieczny, Drew Reimels, Cadance Groeschel, Lilly Reimels, Will Groeschel, Paddy Groeschel, Mikey Groeschel and Jameson Groeschel.
During Paul's 30-year Kodak career, the family moved many times, but the most notable and enjoyable were to Brazil and Argentina. Paul totally embraced being able to speak both "Porteñol" and "Spanglish".
These overseas postings allowed Paul and his family to become "Citizens of the World". Consequently, upon his retirement to Hilton Head, he did an about face and along with Carol became a DOJ accredited immigration counselor. His non-profit organization helped hundreds of eligible people obtain immigration benefits and assistance. He truly cared about his clients and their welfare.
Paul always enjoyed meeting new people and traveling to new places. Even when confined to a wheelchair because of Myotonic Dystrophy, he always had a friendly smile on his face and was truly grateful for his life. That smile will certainly be missed.
A Celebration of Paul's life will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, 11:00 AM, at James Funeral Home of Huntersville. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, 663 Thirteenth Street, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612 or Christ the King Catholic High School, 2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC, 28078.
Online condolences may be made at https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com
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