Paul "Sammy" Andrew Saplak
Paul Andrew “Sammy” Saplak, of Stuarts Draft, passed away on December 21, 2023 at Augusta Health Hospital at the age of 83.
Paul was born on June 13, 1940 in Oak Hill, West Virginia, to his parents Charles and Helen Ann (Vegh) Saplak.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, younger sisters Patrica Ann and Selena Jane, his beloved grandparents Andy Vegh and Fanny Grandetti, and grandmother Eva Saplak. Paul was also preceded in death by his best friend, Gene Snyder, and his favorite dog, Andy.
Paul is survived by his wife Martha, daughters Lisa and Kathy Saplak, grandchildren Andrew Quigley and Katherine Rhoades (Jacob), siblings Sylvia Betrozoff (John), Susan Parker (Joseph), Eva Patterson (Don), Charles Saplak (Karen), aunt Lillian Phillips, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Paul grew up in Oak Hill, West Virginia and was especially close to his cousin, Gene “Squeaky” Crone. From a young age you could find Paul outside picking berries, spending time with family, and collecting comic books. Paul was known by his siblings as an incredible big brother, who took his responsibilities very seriously, always taking care of his little sisters and brother.
Paul was a proud Navy veteran. He served during the Vietnam War on the USS Kitty Hawk and USS Valley Forge. He was an E5 Electrician’s Mate known as “Sparky”.
In 1966, Paul married the love of his life, Martha, in Arlington, Virginia. This past August, Paul and Martha celebrated 57 years together. Their marriage was full of countless beautiful moments spent gardening, antiquing, and raising their two daughters, Lisa and Kathy. He took pride in being a dedicated girl-dad, never missing the opportunity to attend a dance recital or coach a sports team.
Paul retired in December 1992 from C&P Phone Company after over 25 years of service. As a craftsman he worked in Installation and Maintenance in Arlington and Alexandria, then was promoted to management, serving in various supervisory positions including leading the Northern Virginia Dispatch Center and the Fairfax County Construction Center. While in Fairfax County, he was known for going above and beyond in identifying and removing any Civil War relics discovered during excavations in the area, relying on his expertise as a self-educated historian and avid military archaeologist. He moved to the Shenandoah Valley in July 1993 and proudly opened Stuarts Draft Taxidermy, as Paul was an avid hunter and sportsman. Through this business he assisted others with preserving memories and met several dear friends, including Daryl Howdyshell. In retirement, Paul also embraced his passion for genealogy, publishing a book in 2017 on his Eastern European ancestors. In addition to this, he adored the ladies at the Stuarts Draft Post Office, with whom he shared several laughs while mailing his eBay collections.
You could find Paul spending time hunting, reading, woodworking, watching game shows, and most of all being a fantastic Apa (grandfather). Paul adored his two grandchildren, Andrew and Katherine. He was overjoyed to gain a bonus Grandson “Jacob” and they had a special bond over two things: their love of the great outdoors and Katherine. He always said that if he knew how much he would love his grandchildren, he would have had them first.
Paul recently began attending Good Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, taking great enjoyment in attending Sunday school every week.
Paul fought diabetes for over 30 years, showing his incredible strength and spirit all the way through his final moments. He will forever be our hero.
Please join the family of Paul Saplak on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory for a family visitation.
The family asks for all to honor Paul at the visitation by wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt, camouflage, or red-white-and blue.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Wounded Warriors Project in his name.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.
