Paul Rank, 85, of Rock Cave, WV, passed away on July 23, 2025.
He left this world a far better place by who he was, all that he did, and the many hearts that he touched.
Paul was a truly exceptional, talented, caring, loving soul who could light up a room with his presence and great wit.
He cared deeply for those around him—family, friends, neighbors and strangers. He may disagree with someone but was never disagreeable.
Born in Donora, PA, on July 25, 1939, Paul grew up, attended elementary and high school and worked a few years in Donora before entering Wheeling College in 1961.
During his four years at Wheeling College, Paul met Cindy Carr, his beloved wife of 58 years. While there, he developed his leadership skills, sharpened his ability to reason and think clearly about complicated issues, and made many lifelong friends who have stayed close, traveling together through their lives.
Following college, Paul worked eight years at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, first as manager of the men’s dorm during graduate school and later as Administrator of Student Services. Through those sometimes turbulent ’60s, Paul was admired and respected by students and faculty alike.
In 1973, Paul moved to West Virginia to a cabin he, his wife Cindy, and many friends built on a hillside in the Canaan-Eden area of Southern Upshur County. There, he worked as a deck hand on barges that carried goods up and down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
He often said his 17-plus years on the river were his favorite work experience.
As conditions on the river changed, Paul became a landlubber again and worked as an HVAC representative for Comfortech in Buckhannon, WV, until he retired to focus on cutting wood to warm his home and caring for the hillside where he and Cindy have journeyed together for the past 52 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary; his sister, Sr. Rose Mary; brothers Jackie (infant), Ed (his twin) and Bill; and sister-in-law Goldie. He is survived by his wife Cindy; Rank family nieces and nephews—Will, John (Twila), Mary Carney, Anne (Mike) Simoncelli; eight great nieces and nephews; 12 great-great nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Dave (Anne Jane) Carr; nephews Edward and Richard Carr; and lifelong dear family friend Sr. Gerrie Grandpre.
Paul chose to be cremated. A celebration of his life may be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a humanitarian or environmental cause of your choosing. And find and play for yourself Paul’s all-time favorite song from the musical HAIR: “What a Piece of Work is Man.”
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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