Paul John Simkowski

Paul John Simkowski, of Providence, RI passed away peacefully at his home on October 7, 2023. For 70 years Paul touched our hearts with his warmth, his love, and his dry, irreverent humor. Paul was a loving husband, caring father, and a devoted nurse practitioner. He was also an artist, a musician, and a kind-hearted jokester who brought laughter and love to those lucky enough to know him. Paul was born May 9, 1953 to John Simkowski and Helen Simkowski (née Walukiewicz) of Norwich, CT. Paul attended the nearby St. Joseph’s School, also serving as an alter boy. Paul was a Cub Scout, then a Boy Scout, and loved camping and the outdoors. He was awarded a Full Scholarship to St. Bernard’s High School in Uncasville, CT. After graduation, Paul attended Holy Cross College, earning his Bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a minor in philosophy. Paul later earned his doctorate in nursing from Mass General Hospital. Alway a creator, Paul loved to work with his hands. He was a welder in Groton CT, and later a finish carpenter in MA. Paul, or “Pablo” as he was known by his friends at Holy Cross, was forever an artist at heart, at times an illustrator, a sculptor, and a printmaker. He was also a musician, taking up several instruments including the organ, accordion, guitar, and bass guitar. As a student he played the organ for church masses, at college he played bass guitar in the bands Peyoteros and Blackstone River Junction. In 1994 Paul became a Nurse Practitioner at the Providence VA medical center. There he met his future wife Christina, as well as many other lifelong friends. He was loved by his colleagues and his patients, as his caring nature, his insight, and his sense of humor made for an ideal bedside manner. Paul retired from the VA in 2017 after 23 years of service. Paul is survived by his wife, Christina Simkowski, his son, Paul Martin Simkowski, his stepson: Dave Camara, stepdaughter: Jenn Austin and her four granddaughters. He also leaves his sister: Tina O’Brien, stepbrother: Dennis O’Brien, and nieces: Kristy Baracco, Amy O’Brien, and Anne-Marie Casaol, and their children. Paul was preceded in death by his father, John Paul Simkowski, mother, Helen Simkowski, and brother, Frank Simkowski. As per his wishes, Paul’s body was cremated privately on Oct 13th at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI. There will be a remembrance held at the Providence VA Medical Center, once the remains have attained their final form, at a time yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s name to Habitat for Humanity.