Paul J. Mackay

Age 55, unexpectedly, on Sunday, December 20, 2020, Paul joined his Father in heaven. Paul resided in Daytona Beach, Florida, but was a lifelong resident of the South Side. Beloved father of Paul Regis (Tracey) Mackay. Dearly beloved son of Mary Jane (Pachuta) Mackay and the late Robert Mackay. Dear brother and best friend of Robert Mackay, Karen (Mark) Hornak, and Mary Mackay. Beloved nephew of Paul G. (Carol) Pachuta and Carole (Pachuta) Funaro. Proud uncle of Noah, Rebecca, Geoffrey, Justin, Amanda, and the late Ashley. Former spouse and lifelong friend of Kathi Bair. Paul was born and raised in Pittsburgh and was a true Southsider. Paul was a graduate of South High School, 1983. Paul was loved by his family and friends. While he was tough as nails on the outside, his love and compassion for his son and his family always was his priority. He was an avid Steeler fan, and always supported Pittsburgh and the black and gold. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his son. Many in the Southside knew Paul best from Walker's Pub, as a previous chef, resident and patron. Over the years, Paul encountered many challenges through injuries and battled with addiction. In 2018, Paul made the commitment to himself and his family to voluntarily enter the City Mission Rehabilitation Program. Proudly, he completed the program and maintained sobriety until his passing. In 2019, Paul moved from Pittsburgh to Daytona Beach, and enjoyed a life free of addiction, spending quality time with his son. 2020 was a challenging year not only for the world, but for Paul, as he began his seven-month battle with throat cancer. He approached his fight with the same spirit that he carried throughout his entire life. He never lost his sense of humor, his positivity, and his ability to empathize with others about their problems first. The last two months of his journey resulted in many health challenges, including contracting and overcoming the COVID virus. He truly carried his cross to bear on Earth with dignity and respect. His last conversation with family members included his hopes for the future and desire to continue to fight. Paul essentially walked three paths during his 55 years here with us. He was a proud husband and father. He was your reliable friend that you could count on and party with at Walker's; and then he accepted and became a recovering addict and embraced the man he was meant to be. He spent his final road of life in Florida with his son. He enjoyed life from the eyes of a father, proud of the man his son grew to be. Sadly, Paul succumbed to the complications of cancer peacefully in his sleep but leaves behind a legacy of family and eternal memories of a life lost way too soon. He would not want you to be sad and mourn his sickness or his death. Paul would want you to raise your glass, blast your music and enjoy your life surrounded by your loved ones. He never once wanted to let go of the life he was building; and he would want you to go on and do the same. Friends received Sunday 12-5 PM in Thomas J. Gmiter Funeral Home, Inc. 2323 E. Carson St., following CDC guidelines. Interment Monday at 10:00 AM in St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, 1066 Connor Road, Bethel Park, PA. 15102. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family or to City Mission, 84 West Wheeling St., Washington, PA. 15301.

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