Paul Ichniowski

In the golden dawn of July, 1939,
A soul was born with a heart divine.
Paul Stanley Ichniowski, a name to cherish,
Whose spirit of service will never perish.

From Fells Point lanes to Patterson Park's grace,
He grew with dreams in a loving embrace.
At Holy Rosary, St. Elizabeth's, and Patterson Park High,
He learned and laughed under Baltimore's sky. 

An army medic with hands that healed,
In battles of life, his fate was sealed.
At Bethlehem Steel, his strength was found,
Yet as a firefighter, his heroism was crowned. 

For 33 years, through smoke and flame,
Paul saved lives, never seeking fame.
At Dundalk's 6 and Edgemere's 9,
A lieutenant's heart, so pure, so kind. 

Preceded by his parents, Stanley and Stella's love,
Now watching over from the skies above.
Survived by brothers Ted and Dan, so dear,
And their families who hold his memory near. 

Dorothy, his wife of 57 years,
Through joy and sorrow, through smiles and tears. Chris and Cindy, his children with pride,
With son-in-law Lance by Cindy's side. 

Grandchildren Farren and Carly, tender and sweet,
With memories of Pop, their hearts beat.
A loving man who cherished family time,
His presence in gatherings, simply sublime. 

Beloved by cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends,
Paul's story of love and laughter never ends.
In-laws, neighbors, and coworkers, too,
His joy and kindness shone brightly through.

A parish member at St. Rita's since '67,
Finding faith and community, a glimpse of heaven.
A member of the Polish Home Club, proud and true,
And a lifetime Orioles fan, through and through. 

So we bid farewell, with a tear and a smile,
To Paul, whose love will linger a while.
In the stories we share, in the hearts we mend,
Paul's legacy of love will never end.

A memorial gathering will be held at Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk on Sunday July 28th, 5pm until 8pm, to honor Paul's life and service followed by a funeral mass at St. Rita's Catholic Church on Monday July 29th at 11:00am, interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be in his memory to one of the following: St. Rita's Church, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.