Paul David Tarashuk, age 26 years, of Lewes, DE, died suddenly on Monday, September 10, 2018 in Santee, SC as the result of an automobile accident.

Born in Summit, NJ, July 8, 1992, son of Paul Andrew and Cynthia Dasti Tarashuk of Raritan Township, NJ, Paul grew up in Mason, OH prior to moving to Readington Township in 2002 then Raritan Township in 2010. He had just recently moved to Lewes to be closer to the beach and for work.

A 2011 graduate of Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Paul had a passion for animals and had just graduated the North Jersey School of Dog Grooming, Chatham, NJ. He was excited to be venturing on the path where he could continue to make a positive difference in the world.

To try and sum up Paul or “Paulie” as many knew him, is impossible in a few short paragraphs. As was just written, he simply tried to make the world around him a better place, and accomplished that through simple kindness and love. He was a man of action, not just words which he felt, as many do, is what is sorely needed in this world.

To that end of being a man of action, Paul received a Resolution from East Amwell Township, NJ, a Meritorious Award from the New Jersey State Police, a letter from President Barack Obama, and was the 2010 ‘Citizen of Year’ recipient from the Hunterdon County 200 Club for, “…demonstrating extraordinary character during his pursuit and assistance of a woman operating a vehicle while experiencing malnutrition and dementia. With composed actions, Paul secured the safety of countless other motorist, while showing bravery when other people chose not to involve themselves in the welfare of another.

Paul saw someone in need and didn’t avert his eyes. He jumped in and did what he thought was right, even staying with the woman at the hospital for many hours until her family arrived. Now those of you reading this are probably not surprised by that last fact, as Paul was known not just for his strength of character, but also for his tender heart.

A, “whole lot of fun,” is how his parents and siblings describe Paul, laughing as they remember how he would always make them do a big group hug and kiss each other. Family and friends were important to him, and he would be there for anyone, anytime, for any reason. He was, “that guy,” to which everyone turned to.

Known as, “Jr.” on the St. Magdalen Softball team, Paul enjoyed softball and baseball. He was very creative, and particularly fond of photography and fashion.

He was an, “old soul” in one sense, but defied things of structure as he felt people ought to be allowed to be themselves.  Always encouraging others to simply be who they were, he loved them for it. He never wanted anyone to feel excluded from anything, and his love was, and will forever be, omnipresent.

To those reading this who are feeling robbed by Paul’s untimely death, remember these three bits of wisdom gleaned from Paul’s social media. Knowing that these resonated with him, allow them to resonate with you, give you hope and allowing you to be Paul’s living legacy. From Buddha, “No Matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” From Miley Cyrus, “Charge is a thing you can count on.” And finally, from and unknown source, “God doesn’t give the hardest battles to his toughest soldiers, he creates the toughest soldiers through Life’s hardest battles.”

So this change in life is not what anyone ever dreamed would happen, but know that you can continue on in life, even through this extremely hard battle, honoring Paul by putting just a bit more kindness and love to all, back into this world.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Richard “Papa” Tarashuk.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his siblings, Andrea Tarashuk and Kevin Tarashuk; his cousin who was like his little sister, Rachel Dasti; his paternal grandmother, Patricia Matyk “Mimi” Tarashuk; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Lois Dasti; his aunts and uncles, Richard and Lisa Tarashuk, Michael and Susan Tarashuk, Philip Tarashuk, Christopher Tarashuk, Matthew and Robyn Tarashuk, Rosemary and Joe Ficchi, Joseph and Jane Dasti; his beloved pets, “Zepi” his Cocker Spaniel, “Harley-Quinn” his Boston Terrier, and “Ivan” his Sphynx cat; several extended family members; and many, many friends.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Paul’s life on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is kindly requested to meet directly at the Church on Saturday by 9:45 a.m.

Cremation at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ was private under the direct supervision of the Wright & Ford Family Licensed Care Team.

Please visit Paul’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution’s may be made in Paul’s honor to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”