Paul J DeMiglio

Paul J. DeMiglio was born on February 14, 1931, in Jersey City, New Jersey. The son of Antonio and Julia DeMiglio, he is survived by his son, Paul Anthony DeMiglio. He passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021, in his Columbus, Ohio home.

He is remembered by family and those who knew him as a timeless testament to the power of unconditional love and humility, inflamed by an unshakeable faith in Christ as a devout Roman Catholic. To know him was to experience what it means to be selfless, in all its beauty. He cared for people from all walks of life not as he would have them but as they authentically were, and lived the Gospel how Jesus taught it, for the benefit of others – no matter who you are – until the very end. He embodied the essence of faith in action, opening hearts and minds through the language of love that speaks to everyone.

From his earliest days as a graduate of Patterson High School in Jersey City, he pursued religious life, joining the Salesians of Don Bosco as a Brother in the late 1940s – dedicating himself to serving the underserved, for the greater glory of God. Over the next 30 years, Paul ministered to thousands of disadvantaged youths in places others refused to go in cities nationwide, saving lives and transforming futures for the better, teaching them critical life skills and a variety of trades at the Don Bosco Technical Institute.

An avid Yankees fan and enviably fast runner, he channeled his athletic prowess and enthusiasm for sports to engage teens, taking many off the street and into the classroom – opening doors that would have otherwise remained closed by a system that didn’t see them. His passion for life never faded, fueled by a genuine love of the Lord, magnetic optimism, and disarming kindness that won over even the most hardened youths so he could help them get a new start, all with boundless energy beyond his years.

He embarked on a new chapter in life in 1978, marrying Sonja J. DeMiglio, his wife of 42 years, before having a son in 1982. An inspiration to parents who marveled at his unstoppable energy and commitment, he kept pace with the vigor of raising a little boy and continued his life of service as a social worker at Franklin County Children’s Services (FCCS) for the next 30 years. Never missing a day of Holy Mass or the Rosary well into his late 80s, his prayer life was marked by a steadfast devotion to the saints, especially the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Anthony of Padua. A parishioner of St. Mary’s in German Village, Christ the King Church, St. Patrick Parish, and St. Catharine of Siena Parish, he eventually became a Lifetime Member of the Knights of Columbus, dedicating countless hours over many years to volunteering and outreach at numerous parishes.

When he spoke, people listened because he instructed through example, above all else. He believed that words only matter if you live by them. And when you do, you can overcome any obstacle with the help of God. As a case worker and intake officer at FCCS for 30 years, he faced dire situations every day, and sometimes threats of violence. Yet, he always saw the real person, discerned what they really needed, and listened with his whole heart, mind, and spirit as he tirelessly worked to find loving homes for those in need of adoption. Without fail, he showed that fear was no match for love, going out of his way to comfort distraught Moms, hold scared children while they cried, reassuring families that they will be okay, and giving new hope that life will get better.

His signature white beard and master class, animated storytelling of growing up in Southern Italy and Jersey City as the son of Italian immigrants revealed a rare insight into the value of unimaginable sacrifice, putting the needs of others before his own. No matter what age, he never missed an opportunity to tell corny jokes with an inviting charm like no other that just made you want to smile and laugh. He never saw a pasta dish he didn’t like and had an enormous appetite for recipes of all varieties that was as insatiable as his passion for life and ministry. The treasure trove of stories he shared are a perennial touchstone of inspiring memories for family and friends that continue to teach lessons, imparting wisdom for generations to come.

Paul reminds us that expressing love, being gentle, and showing compassion are not signs of weakness to hide but reservoirs of healing strength to embrace just as joyfully as being who you are, as God created you, not as others would have you be. His decisions were guided by what he could do for others to help them live more fully as children of God, equally worthy in His sight, no matter who they are or who they love. He taught that true virtue burns the brightest in the silence of doing what’s right when no one is watching, pressing forward when you feel alone, and standing up to defend the weak, even when it means you might be rejected. He never saw the worst in others because he accepted everyone and demanded the best of himself in ways that paid it forward to humanity, without claiming credit or seeking praise. Seeing others do well was his reward.

Paul gave of himself with courage and zeal, so he could receive the love of Christ to give without limits to others. And that’s why he will live on forever. Your passing leaves us heartbroken and grieving terribly, beloved Papa, but we celebrate your precious legacy and take solace in knowing you have earned a special place in your eternal heavenly home.

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