Paul Zarenko

Paul E. Zarenko, Professor Emeritus from Edinboro University and member of Biology and Health Sciences Department for 21 years, age 89, of Erie passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Sarah Reed Retirement Center.

Paul was born in Albion, PA on August 11, 1924, son the late Mike E. and Prona Donch Zarenko. He graduated from Albion High School in 1941 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Edinboro State Teachers College in 1949. Paul taught at the Platt R. Spenser Elementary School in Geneva, Ohio from 1950 until 1956. He got his Master’s degree from Allegheny College in 1956. He completed his course work for his Ph.D. at Ohio State University in 1962. He started teaching in Geneva, Ohio where he taught science for 5 years then began teaching at Edinboro High School which later became General McLane after joining with McKean High School, where he taught for 9 years completing his career at E.U.P.

He was a member of Wayside Presbyterian Church where he served several terms in a teaching capacity as Deacon, Elder and Trustee. He was involved in several local and professional organizations including the Erie Maennerchor Club <http://www.eriemaennerchor.com/>, where he had been a member since 1973. He was a life member of the National Science Teachers Association and the National Biology Teachers Association. Paul was also a member of the Retired Professors at Edinboro. He was a member of Western Star Lodge No. 304 F.&A.M. and a 32nd degree life member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Erie. Paul was also a life member of the Zem Zem Shrine; life member of the Visiting Nurse Association and a Hamot Aide Society volunteer.

He was proceeded in death by his late wife of 33 years, Grace C. Zarenko, two sisters, Mary Bilyak and Minnie Kons and a brother, Al Zarenko. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, (at Powell Avenue,) on Monday from 3 to 5 p.m. and are invited to attend a funeral service at Wayside Presbyterian Church, 1208 Asbury Rd, Erie, PA 16505 on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Reverend James Haas and Reverend Keith Sundberg officiating

Interment will be in Hope Cemetery.

Memorials to Wayside Presbyterian Church or UPMC Hamot Aid Society, 201 State Street, Erie, PA 16550.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.