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Paul Forio Obituary

Paul E. Forio

A celebration of life for Paul Edgar Forio, 57, Lawrence, will be at 1:00 on February 15 at The University of Kansas Alumni Center in Lawrence.

Paul died unexpectedly on January 18, 2014.

He was born on November 22, 1956 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Robert and Betty Forio.

Paul attended the University of Kansas where he received his BS in Journalism and his MS in Higher Education Administration. He served as a media liaison for the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, worked at the University of Kansas Division of Continuing Education, and enjoyed a career in real estate.

He was active in his community through Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Hilltop Child Development Center, Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, and Kids Voting Douglas County.

Paul shared over 32 years of marriage with his wife and best friend, Dana J. Olsen. He was extremely loving and proud of his children, a daughter, Kendal Smith and husband, Tanner Smith of Syracuse, KS and a son, Devin Forio, Lawrence, KS. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Milli Olsen, Lawrence, KS; his sister-in-law, Jodde Olsen Lanning, of Overland Park, KS; a brother-in-law, Tod Olsen and wife, Karen, Camarillo, CA; his stepmother, Judy Forio of Atlanta, GA; and three sisters, Judy Forio, Molly Morrison, and Linda Dial.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bobby Forio, as well as his father-in-law, Ronald Olsen.

Paul was a very charismatic, easy-going, and humorous man. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, shooting pool, and riding his motorcycle. His family hopes that his friends and loved ones will always remember his sense of humor and kind heart.

A Paul Forio Memorial Fund has been established at Mainstreet Credit Union, located at 1001 E. 23rd Street, Lawrence, KS or in The Merc. Other memorial contributions may be sent to the Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, 720 Connecticut Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 or Headquarters Counseling Center, 211 E. 8th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jan. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Forio

Not sure what to say?





Tim Jones

January 20, 2023

It has been 9 years since you left us. I miss my old golf & cigar buddy...

Tim Jones

January 20, 2022

Paul was my neighbor and my best golf buddy back in the 80's. Village Greens in Ozawkie nearly every weekend. Great times and I sure miss him. I send my love and best wishes to Dana.

Tim Jones

January 20, 2021

Paul was my neighbor and a good friend. We golfed often. Just a great guy. I miss Paul to this day...

Mike Pisani

February 14, 2014

To the Forio family, mom and I will always remember Paul for all he did for Hilltop and what a great person he was. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Trudy Cook

February 14, 2014

Dana,
I was so sorry to hear about Paul. You will be in my thoughts as you celebrate his life.

February 14, 2014

My prayers and thought are with the family
Jenny Stowe

Allison Gowing

February 13, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear of Paul's passing, he was an amazing person and will be greatly missed. Your family is in my prayers.

Tim Jones

February 2, 2014

Dana, from Colorado I send you my thoughts and prayers. Paul was such a good friend back when we were all starting out on Parkview. I wish you and the kids comfort and serenity during this tough time.

Rita Janssen

February 1, 2014

Dana, Larry and I are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers and hope you and Devin and Kendal find comfort in your memories. We are thinking of you. Rita

Jim and Nadia Regan

February 1, 2014

Dana and Family, we extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of Paul. It was an honor to know him as a fried and workmate. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Leslie Rose

February 1, 2014

Dana--I am shocked and sad to hear of your loss. Hope the love that shines through the obit continues to sustain you through this difficult time. Leslie

Ernesto and Ginger Hodison

January 31, 2014

Dana and Family, we are sorry to hear about Paul's passing. Our sympathies go out to you all. Paul was a great person to work with and a friend to all he met. He will be missed. We send prayers up on your behalf that you are comforted in this time. God bless you all.

John Breithaupt

January 28, 2014

Dana, we are so sorry for your loss. Paul was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
John and Challis Breithaupt

Tony Jones

January 28, 2014

Dana and family, I am sorry to read about Paul. He was one of a kind, Kind and gentle soul we all will miss him.
Tony Jones

Theresa Pickel

January 28, 2014

Dana, I'm so sorry to hear about Paul's unexpected passing. I have very fond memories of talking with him when I visited your house. He was such a neat person. My thoughts are with you. Theresa

David and Orean

January 28, 2014

We will miss the smile and friendly conversation of our long-time neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dana, their children and Paul's family.

Carla and Murl Westheffer

January 28, 2014

Dana,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. We are so sorry for your loss and hope wonderful memories of joyful times together will help ease your pain as you honor a life well lived.
Best always, Carla And Murl Westheffer

January 27, 2014

Dear Dana,

As much as I thought you were an absolute class lady, as you probably know Paul and I played a lot of golf together years ago. During our round of golf and especially long drives to remote golf courses, we got to know each other very well.

He's (yes still is) one of the finest persons I've ever known. Did he ever have a single malicious bone in his body?

Our conversations--both on and off the golf course--were very meaningful and helpful to me during a down period in my life. He talked me through a lot very bad times, without being the least bit "preachy."

He's maybe the most empathetic person I've ever I've ever known.

He was caring, but never lost his masculinity.

I've thought about Paul often over the years and was stunned to learn the news. It's a terrible loss; but I'm sure his consoling someone else right now.

Coleen Lewis

January 27, 2014

Dana and family, I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I worked with him at Continuing Education for years but first met him while I worked in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in the 1980s. I have only met you once or twice (through my brother John Breithaupt). My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dan Heptig

January 27, 2014

So sorry for your loss. Paul was a pleasure in the business world I knew him in, a true pro. May God's love be with you.

Roger Clouser

January 27, 2014

Dana, So sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs.

Kim Murphree

January 27, 2014

Dana. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you today and always.

January 27, 2014

Dana and family,
What a shock and so unexpected. Our thoughts go out to you and your family. I know it has been a long time since we have seen you, but I will always have very fond memories of you and Paul. Such a wonderful spirit and human being. So sorry, Dana. Much love to you. Kristi Kouloukis

Nomi Reddinig

January 27, 2014

Dana & Family, I only knew Paul for a short time but remember him as a kind, congenial, and helpful person. May your memories and many friends comfort you.

January 27, 2014

My condolences and may the words written at Revelaton 21:3-5 bring comfort to your family. Sincerely, Colette

Kirk and Jeannie McClure

January 27, 2014

To the Forios -

You have our sympathies for your loss and know that we are thinking of you.

Kirk and Jeannie McClure

January 27, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss. I can't believe it. So unexpected. I will pass along the information to Aaron in case he hasn't already heard down in Emporia. Sympathies to you and your family. Julie & Dan Rea

January 27, 2014

Dana, Thinking of you and your family. With deepest sympathy. Thoughts and prayers. Alice & Van Roberts

Tim Condon

January 26, 2014

I met Paul through my brother-in-law Guillermo Vidaurre and while we weren't close I remember him fondly. My deepest sympathies are with his family.

January 26, 2014

Dana-
I am thinking of you and your family.
-Stacy Riggins

Guillermo Vidaurre

January 26, 2014

Dana I loved Bud so much ! He was my best friend ! I feel so much pain ! Any thing I can do I am there for you !

Debi Waggoner

January 26, 2014

I had the pleasure of volunteering with Paul for many years with Kids Voting. I know he will be greatly missed by his family & this community.

January 26, 2014

Oooh Dana, So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was a great person, and a great friend.
My heart aches with yours and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers dear friend.
Christine Hartwell-Jerby

Chris Hotvedt

January 26, 2014

Dearest Dana,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so very sorry for Paul's passing. Love you. Chris

January 26, 2014

I am so sorry to read of Paul's passing. I worked with him at Continuing Education and it was really a pleasure.

Rita Fine

Brenda Billings

January 26, 2014

Dana, so sorry for your loss. Paul was
such a great person. We will keep you and the kids in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Doug and Brenda Billings

Martin Moore

January 26, 2014

What a great guy! Thinking of you and your family!!

January 26, 2014

Dana, I am so very sorry for your great loss. Your family is in my prayers and thought. Take Care, Mary Davidson

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results

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