Paul Voynalovich

Paul (Pasha) Voynalovich, raised in Eastern Ukraine and a long-time resident of Washington, D.C., passed away suddenly and far too soon, on August 16, 2023, at the age of 56. He is survived by his beloved wife of 12 years, Melissa Roover, his brother Sasha, sister-in-law Lena, his niece Julia and her family, his father- and mother-in-law Charlie and Toby Roover, brother- and sister-in-law David and Michelle Lecks Roover, nephew Benny and niece Hailey Roover, all of whom loved Paul dearly. He was predeceased by his mother and father in Ukraine. Paul was a fiercely loyal, loving and caring husband and friend who made everyone smile and laugh. He lived to help others. He was a nurturer of plants, flowers, and his beloved Melissa. He loved to delight others with his cooking and made everyone in his presence feel at ease. Paul was the unofficial mayor of Home Depot, a talented and creative craftsman who enjoyed helping others care for and improve their homes. Paul lived his life with a spark of childlike joy and wonder. That spark brought Paul to America over 30 years ago, where he often said he felt like he was walking on air. Paul’s loyalty and passion for Ukraine once led to a dust-up with a pro-Russian heckler at a demonstration in support of Ukrainian independence in front of the White House. He was tackled by a secret service agent and subsequently arrested and released to Melissa. Paul gleefully served his sentence of community service at a soup kitchen and even more gleefully recounted the story to friends and family who laughed until their sides hurt. Paul exemplified service and built community wherever he went. No one was allowed to be lonely or hungry when Paul was around. The world will be less interesting and kind without him and he will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A Celebration of Life for Paul will take place from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Friends Meeting of Washington, DC located at 2111 Decatur Place NW, Washington, DC 20008. In keeping with Paul’s love of the outdoors, the Celebration will take place at the Lower West Gardens under a tent. Memorial Contributions in Paul's memory may be made to support Ukraine at www.donationforukraine.com Paul’s family welcomes and encourages sharing special memories of Paul. To share, please click the Share Memories button.

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Paul Voynalovich

November 19, 1966 - August 16, 2023