Paul Edward Hizo Jr., 33, West Lafayette and formerly of Rochester, passed away at 12:27 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.  

On Nov. 11, 1984, in Chicago, Paul Edward Hizo Jr. was born at Presbyterian-St. Lukes Hospital. He was the son of Pablo Eduardo Hizo and Donna A. Tomich. Growing up he shared his childhood with two big sisters, Erica and Selena. He attended Rochester Schools and graduated with his class from Rochester High School in 2003.

After high school, he enlisted with the United States Marines and began service to our country on June 16, 2003. During his tour of duty in Iraq, he was severely wounded from a landmine explosion. During his service stint he was decorated with a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. 

Known as Lance Corporal Paul E. Hizo Jr., this proud Marine was honorably discharged on July 30, 2005.

Continuing his education, he took technology classes from Ivy Tech. The feeling of freedom, while riding his matte black trimmed in Marine colors gold and red Triumph around northern Indiana, was high on his priority list of ways to relax. There was nothing like catching a warm summer breeze.   

Always looking good, he was known for his sparkling brown eyes, radiant smile and thick black hair, styled to perfection.  Whether it was telling a joke or or pulling a perfect practical joke, his greatest joy was making people laugh. Paramount in his life was spending time with his loving family and friends, who all admired him.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother: Donna A. Tomich, Bloomington; two sisters: Selena V. Hizo (Jason Schneeberger); and Erica J. Hizo, all of Indianapolis; a nephew: Andrew Hizo, surrogate dad Joe Babusch, and devoted Aunt Ruth, Chicago, Ill.; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and a multitude of loving friends.  

Preceding him in death are his beloved Nana and Poppa; his father: Pablo; and two uncles.

A sunset celebration of the life of Mr. Paul Edward Hizo Jr. will be at 6 p.m. Monday March 26, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the the U.S. Marine Honor’s Team.

Memorials may be made to The Marines Semper Fi Fund to assist injured U.S. Marines at https://semperfifund.org/  or to Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102 • PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.