Paul Startari

Francis Paul Startari

October 9th 1980 ----- August 27th 2024

Clearwater, Florida

Francis “Paul” Startari was taken too soon as he passed away on August 27th, 2024. He was born on October 9th, 1980 in Tallahassee, Florida, to Jodi and Cindy (née Rodgers) Startari; and grew up in various places from Tallahassee, FL, to Godfrey, IL, and then to Clearwater, FL.

Throughout Paul’s early life he had many friends and was very popular. He excelled in sports as a third baseman and pitcher in baseball, a goalie and forward in soccer and as a running back and defensive safety in football. It was always a pleasure to watch him play.

Open and gregarious, Paul would befriend people from all walks of life. He was generous with his friends in need and would rush to their defense when in harm’s way. He genuinely enjoyed partying with family, friends and associates.

In Cleveland, Paul found a profession he really loved as a physical fitness instructor. He and a friend started a business where he worked tirelessly to get it off the ground. During this time, he was in tremendous physical shape and dabbled in mixed martial arts.

He loved his big sister, Amy; who would give him lots of sisterly advice; which, he would promptly ignore.

Paul is survived by his parents; his uncle, Rob Startari; his uncle and aunt, Tom and Cindy Rodgers; his step mother, Judy Startari; several cousins; and, many in-laws who, although distant, meant a great deal to him.

He is proceeded in death by his grandparents, Milton and Nita Rodgers and Rose and Fran Startari; and his Uncle, George Rodgers.

Paul will be laid to rest beside his loving sister, Amy, in a joint ceremony at Calvary, Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburgh.

Family and friends will be received from 9 to 11 AM on Thursday, February 26th, at the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207. A Blessing service will take place at 11 AM.  Friends and family are invited to a reception following the proceedings at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider contributing to a fundraiser for Diane Younan, Amy's devoted friend, who quit her job to care for Amy around the clock throughout her illness and took on extreme financial hardship in doing so. https://gofund.me/a4fcb5908

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