Paul Rico Comini, 87 of Holiday, Florida passed away June 7, 2025 at his home lovingly surrounded by his family. He was born on February 8, 1938 in Pittsburgh, Pa.  He was the youngest of five children (Fernanda, Ernesto, Maria, Rolando all deceased) born to Emma Josephine Fondra Comini and Paul Otto Comini. His parents immigrated from the Lake Como region in Northern Italy. They raised their family in a close knit community on McLaughlin Run Road in the town of Bridgeville PA. There he developed a strong work ethic and sense of family. He spent his childhood helping to raise small farm animals, planting garden vegetables, growing fruit trees as well as hunting turkey &, trapping foxes and muskrats. Nothing went to waste. There was food on the table and the pelts were bundled and sold to Sears and Roebuck to earn money for their other needs. This home training gave him confidence for his mind and strength in his body. These traits allowed him to gain employment in the community while working on small farms to large mansions earning respect among his employers. Paul attended Bridgeville High School where he met his future wife EJ. After Paul completed his training and service as a marine, they married and started a family. He worked as a bricklayer for a local company. That type of work was seasonal and they soon realized they needed a more steady income. A man from church directed him to apply at the Pittsburgh International airport. He followed through and “landed” his lifetime career with TWA. It was a blessing in many ways while raising their family of four children. Paul enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship he experienced at the airport. There were many holiday parties and picnics at White Swan Park. He performed many duties. He began by loading luggage & cargo into the belly of the plane. When the opportunity opened up, he trained and tested to become a ground equipment mechanic. As it happened, the company changed their business model and Paul found himself relocating to Tucson Arizona airport where he worked as a crew chief. After a few years, more turbulence hit the airlines and Paul and EJ relocated to Florida. They knew they didn’t want to go back to the cold weather so the Tampa International Airport was a great place to finish his over 4-decade career. His love for the outdoors and travel was brought to new heights. He loved to boat and fish. He explored and camped from coast to coast. When he wasn’t on the road, he was in his garage tinkering and working on many projects. He loved to sit in the driveway with EJ and wave at all the neighbors. They called him the mayor. He would bike daily. Over the last 18 months, his latest bike registered 2300 miles. Paul and Ej enjoyed cruising around the world. There wasn’t much left on their bucket list when EJ was diagnosed with dementia. Paul became the full-time caregiver. After 65 years of marriage he had to learn a whole new skill set. He tenderly cared for her the next four years sharing the same winks, dances and kisses of a lifetime until she passed in January 2025. After she passed, he wondered why he was still feeling so fatigued, only to find out his body had been battling Leukemia for the past year. He thought he had a few good years of fishing ahead but as his strength diminished, he was content in his little home, surrounded by his many friends and family. He is survived by children – Pamela (Bill) Virgi, Paula June (Jim Shelton), Paul (Cheryl) Comini, and David (deceased). 12 grandchildren – Billy (Missy) Virgi, Kristin (Brett) Stevenson, Nico, Jillian (Kody) Stewart, Michael Jr, Max, Matthew, Mitchell & Mia June, Paul Jr, Gianna & Isabella Comini. 9 Great grandchildren – Portia, Will &Noah Virgi, Liam, Anna, Trevor & Cora Stevenson, Sage & Cal Stewart.

With deep appreciation we express our gratitude for your many kindnesses evidenced in thoughts, deeds and presence. A special thank you to Gulfside Hospice for their compassionate care. Paul’s remains will be held in the sea west of Anclote Key with his wife, Emma Jean, and their son, David.

There will be an open house to celebrate his life at his home.

1351 Basswood Dr

Friday,  June 13, 2025

6:30-9 pm

All are welcome to come by to visit and share his story.