Paul Phil Carosella Obituary (1942 - 2018)

Born Mar 26, 1942, Paul Phil Carosella attended Lewis And Clark High School in Spokane, WA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Paul Phil Carosella.

Graduation Year	Class of 1960
Date of Birth	Mar 26, 1942
Date of Passing	Aug 10, 2018
About	Paul P. Carosella passed away on August 10, 2018. Paul met life's challenges with courage, grace, and dignity. He was an innately gentle man with a warm sense of humor, something that may surprise a few of his former students. When some of the "Type A folks" with whom Paul lived got wound up over trivial matters or petty grievances, he would accurately remind them, "Twenty years from now it won't matter." Paul modeled absolute devotion to family for his four children, even if it meant suffering sudden, and inexplicably short-term, hearing loss when confronted with unfounded teenage complaints about attending family events. When learning to drive, and for decades after, Paul's children expected to be told "You know the speed limit is the maximum speed, not the required speed," when he was their passenger. Paul was a firm believer that a person, under all circumstances, must: brush their teeth, comb their hair, and put on a clean shirt before visiting a doctor for any reason. The oldest of three children, Paul was born to Della and Philip Carosella on March 26, 1942. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and earned degrees from Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, and Whitworth University. After a few years working for the post office, Paul dedicated his talents and career to children. He taught elementary school in Spokane Public Schools for thirty years, coached numerous sports teams, supervised summer Ecology Youth Corps litter crews for the state Department of Ecology, and volunteered with foster children at the Bee Kind Garden in his retirement. A lifelong resident of Spokane, Paul never failed to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding all of us in the Pacific Northwest, enjoyed salmon fishing off of Vancouver Island, spending time at Coeur d'Alene Lake, reading, and traveling. He was a devoted WSU football fan "Don't worry Cougs, we'll get 'em next year," and an enthusiastic supporter of GU basketball. Paul was predeceased by his parents Philip and Della Carosella, his parents-in-law Charles and Helen Tilford, and his brother Michael Carosella. Paul is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Betsy, and their four children: Melissa (Till), Paul, Kyle (Chessy), and Liz, as well as two "outstanding" granddaughters, Madeleine and Emily; his sister Patricia Rolland, brothers and sisters in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. Paul did not want a funeral. Anyone who would like to join his family in celebrating Paul's life is welcome at a gathering at the Rockwood South Community Center, 2105 S. Forest Estates Dr., Spokane WA 99223, August 25, 2018; 2PM; casual attire.