Paul Kocela

Paul Kocela, 85, of Berwick, entered into eternity Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Berwick Retirement Village II. He was born May 10, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY, a son to the late George and Mary (Stas) Kocela. Paul was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Girard, PA and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He was very patriotic and proudly served in the Army during the early 1950's. Paul Spent 25 years in film production: 10 years as a director and camera man and eight years as a professor of film production and cinematography at Penn State and at the University of North Carolina. Paul was active in many capacities. He did stained glass work, woodcarving, kayaking, freelance photography, painting, and writing. He often placed articles in various publications and received honorable mentions. A short film, End of One, a thought provoking work on the environment won accolades at the national and international level. Paul's most prized written work was The Angelus, a compelling account of his experiences growing up in Slovakia during World War II. He loved nature, especially camping trips in the Adirondack Mountains. Surviving Paul are his daughter, Jennifer Kocela Baur, grandchildren: Amber, Ryan, and Kelsie, and sister, Margaret Kocela. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Matthew Larlick at 10:00 am Saturday, December 14th at St. Joseph Church, 721 Monroe Street, Berwick. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.