He is survived by children Amanda C. Peterson (David Cowen) and Shawn Casey; grandchildren Kameya DeHaan, Bryce Casey, and Zayne Casey; sisters Jennifer Pankiewicz (Bruce), Ellie Ryczewicz (Stanley), and Christine Marciniak (John); many nieces and nephews, the Marchisin family that considered him one of their own; and the countless people who have tattoos he created. Also known as Pez or Paulie, he lived in Los Angeles, the Chicago suburbs, and ultimately western New York, where he finally felt at home.
Paulie was a creative jack of all trades. In the late 1970s, he established himself as an art director and photographer for various humor magazines, including Larry Flynt’s short-lived “Slam.” In the 1980s, Paulie’s distinctive style shaped the look and sets of early music videos, including Wall of Voodoo’s “Mexican Radio” and Weird Al’s “I Lost on Jeopardy” as well as iconic movie posters such as “Dressed to Kill,” “Escape from New York,” ”Funhouse” and “The Fog.” Arguably, his biggest achievement was the visual style and sets for genre-breaking cult films “Nightdreams” and “Café Flesh.” He returned to Illinois in the 1990s, where he turned his talents to tattooing, electronic music and experimental video. In the 2000s, he moved to Attica, New York, continuing his creative pursuits in addition to woodworking and raising a variety of animals. Paulie battled cancer for over 18 years, with over 20 major surgeries, having tenacity that surprised doctors and friends alike.
There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, cards or donations, his family and friends ask that do what he would at his best: give a home to a neglected animal, be a friend to someone everyone else has rejected, create something amazing out of whatever scraps are lying around, and laugh in the face of any low expectations anyone has of you.
To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
