Obituary of Paul John Zloba

Paul John Zloba Jr., born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1970, died on August 30, 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina. Paul (P.J.) was a loving soul. The first son of an electrician, Paul J., and a teacher, Donna E., P.J. had an exceptional upbringing exhibiting a blend of play, challenges, hard work, loving support and empowered independence that molded him into a hardworking, tough, funny and caring man. P.J. is survived by his sister, Donna Teresa Purcell, two brothers, Mark Henry and Joshua Christopher, and his wonderful daughter Lexi Marie.

P.J.’s interest and curiosity in past human interactions drove him to the study of Anthropology & Archaeology, fitting fields given the fulfillment he gained from interacting and connecting with others. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology from Norther Kentucky University, P.J. spent the next 14 years performing archaeological field work in the United States and abroad. Life brought him to Charleston, South Carolina along the way, and since 2008 he worked for the County of Charleston in various conservation and environmental safety, inspection, survey, and code enforcement officer positions. He was fascinated by the power of nature, and proud to serve in various multi-agency crisis support operations following natural disasters throughout his career.

P.J.’s life was driven by his dreams of his daughter Lexi’s future. Rarely separated, the team of P.J. and Lexi is etched into the memories of all who know them. He devoted himself to her growth and advancement and has been eternally proud of the amazing young woman Lexi has become.

P.J. loved to share jokes and stories, to fish from beach or boat, and to enjoy the nature around us both underwater and on land. Like his father, P.J. knew no strangers, driven by a desire to get to know others and known for the bear hugs he would share. Like his mother, he yearned to help others whether he knew them or not. He touched all that crossed his path, and his warm soul will be missed.

As his family comes to terms with this unexpected loss, services for P.J. will be announced at a future date.