Obituary of Paul Robert Stier

Paul R. Stier, of Charleston, SC, formerly of West Palm Beach, Florida, and N.Y., N.Y., loving husband and father, entered into eternal rest on Sunday afternoon August 19, 2012. Family and Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Old St. Andrews Parish Church in West Ashley, 2604 Ashley River Road, Saturday, August 25th, 2012, at 11 am. Paul was born in N.Y., N.Y. on Dec. 11, 1946, son of Circuit Court Judge George A. Stier and his wife Georgette L Stier. He grew up in Douglaston, N.Y. where he attended St. Paul’s Episcopal High School along with his brother George C. Stier. Paul then attended St. Lawrence University where he received a BA degree in English, and later went to Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Journalism, where he received his MA degree in journalism and communications. As a reporter, Paul received the highest award in the field of investigative reporting by Walter Cronkite in 1973. Paul’s passion for writing led him to many opportunities in life including being a reporter, magazine writer, publisher and public relations executive. Paul was hired early on by the famous Burson-Marsteller, Inc. Public Relations firm in New York City, where he and his group of account executives all were rising stars in the field of public relations under the tutelage of Tom Moser, serving many fortune 500 accounts such as the American Iron and Steel Institute, Owens-Corning Fiberglas, American Dental Society and many more. Following this, Paul went to work with Hill & Knowlton, Inc., the largest public relations firm in the world at that time, headquartered in New York City. While residing in Florida, Paul met his wife Joyce Kulczyk, who he married in Boca Raton on November 21, 1980. Together, Paul and his wife, went on to develop their own marketing firm called United Communications, Inc. located in Boca Raton, Florida, serving many clients throughout Florida, the United States, and the Islands, providing them with New York quality style and service. For his efforts he was the recipient of many Addy Awards, the prestigious “Silver Anvil” award by the Public Relations Society of America, ARMCO Steel Award for national marketing accomplishments, the Air and Space Technology Award for Advertising excellence, as well as extensive trade awards as well. In addition, Paul developed a company called ‘Newspapers for Industry,’ which in conjunction with Gannett’s USA Today, published and provided industry related publications throughout the United States. In 1989, also December 11th, Paul’s son, Ryan Paul Stier came into their lives, and made the family complete with many years of joy, companionship and pride. Paul and his family spent summers vacationing in New England, with family at their cottage in Bass River, Cape Cod, MA. Paul’s favorite hobbies were travel, history, architecture and art. Through many wonderful adventures Paul and his family traveled the world to visit places like Petra, Jerusalem, Cairo, Budapest, Prague, St. Petersburg, Cusco, Lima and the Galapagos, Machu Piccu, the Grand Canyon, and more. Paul also served in the Army National Guard as a top winner of the Vietnam Era draft lottery, where he did his training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Paul is survived by his wife, Joyce Stier; son, Ryan Stier; daughter-in-law, Kirstyn Stier; brother, George Stier; sister-in-law Donna Stier; brother-in-law, Alan Kulczyk; nephews, Geoffrey Stier, Shawn Stier and Adam Kulczyk; niece , Alexa Kulczyk. Paul was a remarkable communicator and anyone who met him will never forget him. He brought smiles, humor and heartfelt friendship to whoever he met. Paul was loved and appreciated by all he worked with, and all of his friends. He provided this world with a uniquely different perspective and genuine creative genius. We shall all cherish him and remember him forevermore. The family would like to thank CHOA Staff, Lutheran Hospice and Hospice of Charleston for their devoted care and support for Paul through his journey’s end. Your support and kindness will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lutheran Hospice, 1885 Rifle Range Rd., Ste. 46, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, 856-4735. A family internment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, N.Y. on September 1, 2012, where he will be laid to rest.