ILION - Paul Francis Lupinski, 90, of Ilion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Wynn Hospital in Utica surrounded by the love of a family whose lives were shaped by his steadfast presence.

Paul was born on May 12, 1936, in Ilion, a son of the late Frank Paul and Rose Hugick Lupinski. He was raised in Ilion and graduated from Ilion schools.

On July 17, 1965, Paul was united in marriage to Mary E. Edwards at the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. Mary had been widowed and was raising two young daughters. Paul embraced them as his family, helping Mary raise the girls and beginning a life together that would eventually grow to include many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beloved pugs. Some of Paul's happiest memories were made with Mary at their camp on Canadarago Lake, affectionately named "'Twill Do." Together, they spent countless weekends "out to camp," where they welcomed generations of grandchildren, family, and friends.

Paul was a man of strong traditions and deep Catholic faith. His devotion was quiet but constant; for many years, he walked to church every Sunday. He appreciated life's simple pleasures, too, and anyone who knew Pops knew about his particular love of Limburger cheese.

A lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley, Paul worked for many years at Remington Arms, retiring in 1997. An avid gun collector and lifelong student of history, he was especially fascinated by World War II and the history of the Mohawk Valley, and was never far from a book or newspaper. He had an enduring curiosity about the past and an appreciation for the objects and stories that carried history forward.

Above all, Paul was "Pops," a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather at the center of a large family. The family he helped raise became one of the great legacies of his life.

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Cindy and her husband, Mike Malhiwsky of Ilion, and Kristen and David Carrig of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; and his sister, JulieTomasik. He was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Durgee and Agnes Yuskavage; two brothers, John Albert and Stanley Lupinski, his brother-in-law, Thomas Tomasik, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Verna & Edward Vandawalker, his beloved feline companion Milo, and his pug companions, Napoleon I, Napoleon II, Otis, and, of course, Willey.

In keeping with Paul's wishes, there will be no public calling hours. A graveside service will be held at Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 2:30 pm. All are invited to attend. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St., Ilion, NY 13357.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul's memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 or to the Rescue Mission of Utica, 293 Genesee St. Utica, NY 13501 or to Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 NY-5S Mohawk, NY 13407.

To leave condolences for Paul's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com.