Paul A. Metivier, age 76, of Huntley, Illinois passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, January 5, 2025, with his loving wife by his side.
He was born on June 8, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert and Edna (Nelson) Metivier. He met the love of his life, Carol Jo “CJ” Swisher while singing in their high school choir. The two married on August 18, 1970 in Hinsdale, Illinois. They lived in the Hinsdale area and in Cuyahoga Falls, OH before settling in Crystal Lake, Illinois in 1983.
Paul joined his brother Don in business in 1983, as owner of Sportdecals, Inc and Pauly’s Custom Apparel, along with business partner, Chris Gagnon. He would own and operate the businesses for over 50 years, right up until the time of his passing. He was a shameless self-promoter with a great sense of humor. He often handed out intentionally obnoxious business cards to anyone who would take them and followed it up by saying “If you ever need t-shirts, you’ve got a guy!”
Paul was a devoted member of Rotary International, most recently with the Northwest Rotary Supper Club, and First Church in Crystal Lake, where he and CJ sang with the church choir. He loved music of all kinds and was also a talented guitar player. He had a passion for anything and everything about trains. He was known for his O-Gauge train collection and would create elaborate model train displays for Christmas at Huntley Springs with other residents. Many visitors would gather in the community room to watch the trains while visiting loved ones. He was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and cuddling his beloved dog, Punkin.
He is survived by his wife, CJ Metivier; his children, Loren (Steve) Goodman, and Dan (Rose) Metivier; five grandchildren, Claire Goodman, Annalise Goodman, Colin Goodman, Brennan Goodman, and Sofie Metivier; and six nieces and nephews, John Swisher, Sarah Swisher, Michelle Pepper, Sarah Metivier-Schadt, Raymond Green, and Patty Green.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his siblings, Don Metivier and Suzie Summers; a nephew, Tyler Swisher; and a niece, Jackie Holtz.
A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held at a later date. DeFiore Funeral Home has been trusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Church in Crystal Lake or Rotary International.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Heaven has received a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and disciple. Uncle Paul will always have a special place in my heart. I always looked up to him and his brother Don for answers and guidance on how to live a successful life. When Paul spoke, I listened. He is a special man with an amazing spirit. I am going to miss hearing him call me "Rain Man" every time I phoned. I will see you again one day. I hope you are selling some shirts to your new audience. I love ya Pauly.
Heaven has received a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and disciple. Uncle Paul will always have a special place in my heart. I always looked up to him and his brother Don for answers and guidance on how to live a successful life. When Paul spoke, I listened. He is a special man with an amazing spirit. I am going to miss hearing him call me "Rain Man" every time I phoned. I will see you again one day. I hope you are selling some shirts to your new audience. I love ya Pauly.