Paul M. Biko

Paul M. Biko, 72, Dunmore, died Monday August 29th in Geisinger-Community Medical Center in

Scranton. His wife is the former Carmel Ann Verrastro.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Gaeton Biko. Paul was a graduate

of Cathedral High School where he excelled in basketball and then went on to earn a Bachelor’s

degree in Engineering from Bucknell University and a Master’s degree in Education from the

University of Scranton.

Paul was a larger-than-life figure to his family and friends, but also to the community at large.

He was a teacher, engineer, business leader and basketball icon. After his playing career ended

he coached with longtime friend and mentor, the famous Jimmy Valvano. Jimmy V, as he was

known, went on to write a famous book with an entire chapter dedicated to Paul as one of the

best basketball players he had ever coached. Although his official basketball coaching days may

have ended, he continued to be a life coach to every person he came in contact with. As an

entrepreneur he created many successful businesses and created opportunities and wealth for

so many over the years.

But being called Poppy and spending time with his grandchildren made him the happiest!

Paul leaves behind a large and loving family. He is survived by his wife Carmel Ann Verrastro-

Biko of Dunmore; 2 Children, Leonard Biko of Landenberg, PA; Maura Whetsel and her husband

Andrew Whetsel of Dunmore, PA; 5 Grandchildren, Harper, Skylar, and Rocco Biko the children

of his son Leonard Biko and their mother Shannon Biko; Caden and Clara Whetsel the children

of his daughter Maura and her husband Andrew Whetsel.

He is also survived by his 3 sisters, Joanne Smith, Linda Mills and Maureen O'Shea; and his

brother Charles Biko. Sister-in-Law Vita Masucci and husband Richard, brother-in-law Dominic

Verrasto and wife Barbara and several nieces and nephews.

Paul is preceded in death by his mother and Father, his best friend and mentor Jim Valvano, as

well as his Nephew Brian O Shea

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday September 17th at 11AM in St. Anthony of

Padua Church, Smith Street, in Dunmore. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the

Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc. 318 East Drinker Street in Dunmore from

9AM-10:30AM prior to the mass.

At the family’s request, please no suits and ties. Paul would want us to celebrate his life as he did ‘business casual’.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Cats and Dogs of Nay Aug Zoo 1900 East Gibson Street Scranton 18510 or to the Animal Shelter of your choice.

To send the family an online condolence, visit www.NEPAfuneralhome.com

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