Paul W. Skalla, 89, of Niles died at 11:02 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010 at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles following a brief illness.

He was born Sept. 28, 1920 in Niles to Lawrence J. Skalla and Elsa A. (Owen) Skalla. He was a lifelong resident of Niles and a graduate of Niles High School Class of 1940.

Paul retired after 20 years at Montgomery Ward. He also owned and operated Paul’s Scoreboard Sales and Service. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a member of the American Legion Post 26 in Niles. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, yardwork and gardening.

He married Leona M. (Leonard) Skalla on Sept. 5, 1942 at First Presbyterian Church in Niles. She died Feb. 23, 2003.

Paul was also preceded in death by his sisters, Alice Burch and Myrtle E. “Betty” Mieth.
He is survived  by his daughter, Paula Cochran, of Niles; grandsons, Christopher Riley, Jeffery (Sherry) Hayes and Steven (Pam) Hayes; granddaughter, Erin (Joel) Karim; great-grandchildren, Nick, Noah, Cameron, Jaden and Giselle; and several nieces and nephews.
The family is gathering privately for services.

There will be no visitation.
Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Legion Post 26, Niles.