Paul Martin Scheitrum, Jr., 62, formerly of 263 Brown Street, Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, at Complete Care Skilled Nursing Facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Born at Coaldale Memorial Hospital, Paul was the son of the late Paul Franklin Scheitrum (d. August 31, 2014) and Julia Ann (Bergen) Scheitrum (d. October 9, 2009). He was a graduate of St. Jerome’s Elementary School and Tamaqua High School and was a member of the former St. Jerome’s Parish in Tamaqua.

At the age of eight, Paul was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF), a neurological disorder that affected his balance, vision, and short-term memory. From that point forward, his life required extraordinary courage. And in true Paul fashion, he met every challenge with resilience, dignity, and quiet strength.

Against all odds, Paul graduated from Tamaqua High School at age 20 — a hard-won victory built on years of perseverance and determination. His remarkable achievement was recognized in the local newspaper. Frequent hospital visits and physical setbacks never defined him. His spirit was far stronger than any diagnosis.

After High School, Paul worked at the Beacon Diner and Morgan Knitting Mills in Hometown before retiring due to disability. 

Though soft-spoken, Paul possessed a legendary sense of humor. His quiet demeanor and sweet smile concealed a razor-sharp wit. Even fellow residents at his assisted living facility were delighted by his quick, unexpected humor. He didn’t say much — but he didn’t miss much either. 

A familiar sight in Tamaqua, Paul could often be seen walking his faithful dog, Buddy, around town. He was an accomplished baker who loved making cakes and his specialty lemon squares alongside his mother, Julia. He was also the Scheitrum family’s devoted videographer, capturing decades of holidays, milestones, and gatherings — his voice lovingly preserved on countless recordings.

Paul was at his best when surrounded by family. He loved being involved at holiday events, backyard picnics, taking drives through the country around Tamaqua, and of course, mini golf at Heislers. He treasured visiting his siblings in California and faithfully joined the weekly family Zoom calls, where stories and laughter flowed freely. He adored his nieces and nephews, who adored him right back — laughing at his jokes, joining in his playful teasing, and cherishing their time with Uncle Paul.

He loved tinkering with electronics and spent so much time at Radio Shack that some of his siblings joked he must work there. He could often be found on his computer playing games, sending emails, or creating playful satirical essays about life in Tamaqua.

Paul’s life was not defined by disability, but by perseverance, humor, and love. He was, in many ways, the strongest and most resilient of the Scheitrum siblings — a gentle soul whose courage quietly inspired everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his six siblings: Glenn P. Scheitrum and his wife, Lynne, of San Mateo, California; Mark E. Scheitrum and his wife, Margaret, of San Jose, California; Ellen, wife of Tony Cardoso, of San Diego, California; Carl J. Scheitrum of Bluffton, South Carolina; Ward M. Scheitrum and his wife, Sonia, of Fresno, California; and Gail, wife of Darrell Hoffman, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania.

He is also lovingly remembered by sixteen nieces and nephews and nineteen great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom cherished their Uncle Paul.

Paul’s family would like to thank the staff and residents of Complete Care at Lehigh for their excellent, loving care and friendship with Paul over thelast two and a half years.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Funeral Services will be held on Friday March 6, 2026 at 11 o’clock A.M. from the funeral home. Friends and family may visit from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services.

Interment will be St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Contributions in his name may be made to:

The Tamaqua Public Library,30 South Railroad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252 2025 Year End Donation or to the Neurofibromatosis Network at https://nfnetwork.org/

Online condolences or a fond memory of Paul can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com