Paul Arthur Mietty, beloved brother, friend, artist, musician, faithful Catholic, and devoted caregiver, was born in Painesville, Ohio, on June 27, 1962. He died in Cleveland on September 30, 2026, at the age of 64. Paul’s life was rooted in his Catholic faith, his family, his creativity, and his love for the people and places of northeastern Ohio. He was known for his kindness, gentle humor, generosity, and willingness to give of himself. His faith was more than a private belief: it shaped the way he lived and served others throughout his life.

Paul was a lifelong member of St. Mary Church in Painesville, where he was deeply involved in parish life. He served as president of the Parish Council, taught confirmation preparation in the Parish School of Religion, and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He sang with the Community, Bilingual, Spanish, and Angels & Saints Bereavement Choirs. He also supported St. Vincent de Paul’s Mobile Pantry through publicity and fundraising. Paul’s public and private devotions were central to his life.

Paul was proud of his Finnish and Slovak heritage and felt a deep connection to the cultural and religious traditions of both sides of his family. He carried that sense of belonging and faith with him throughout his life.

A gifted artist from an early age, Paul attended Hale Road School and John R. Williams Junior High School in Painesville, and Lake High School in Mentor, graduating in 1980. He went on to the University of Akron, where he studied graphic design and illustration and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1985. At Akron, Paul became art editor of the Buchtelite, the university newspaper, serving from 1983 to 1985. He was a talented cartoonist and illustrator who could draw nearly anything. He produced editorial cartoons—often two a week—as well as illustrations for newspaper articles, frequently working under tight deadlines. He was also active in the university’s media studies program and television center, contributing to PBS TV stations 45 and 49, and participated in the Student Art League.

Paul encouraged other people’s creativity as naturally as he practiced his own. His college friend Becky Rizor remembered how he persuaded her to try illustrating a Buchtelite article about Herb Alpert’s concert at Blossom Music Center. She was nervous about completing a drawing on deadline, but Paul laughed with delight when he saw her cartoon of a sombrero-wearing trumpet player. In a playful show of approval, he turned to the others and exclaimed, “BYE!!!,” pretending to quit and telling Becky she could take his place. After more than four decades apart, Paul and Becky reconnected in the final months of his life. Their renewed friendship meant a great deal to both of them.

Paul built a career around his artistic and communication skills. He worked as a graphic artist at Media II in Eastlake before joining Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Ohio in Cleveland. For more than a decade, he worked in its External Affairs and Marketing Communications Department as a Desktop Publisher and Production Coordinator, directing the design and production of internal and external communications, advertising, promotional and community events, and sales presentations. He also created continuing medical education presentations for the Ohio Permanente Medical Group, Cleveland Clinic partners, and Kaiser leadership. His work at Kaiser was an especially important chapter of his life.

Paul continued his career in graphic design, illustration, media production, and communications, working with UNITECH Communications, Broadcast Media Ideas, and a range of clients as an independent designer. His résumé reflects the breadth of his skills: graphic design, brand development, cartooning, illustration, photography, video production, and multimedia presentations.

Music was another lifelong part of Paul’s creative life. A percussionist, he played an extraordinary range of instruments, including marimba, xylophone, chimes, bells, and drums. He was ready to play whatever percussion instrument was needed. He performed as a guest percussionist with the Lakeland Community College Flute Choir and shared his musical gifts in the life of his parish.

Paul’s kindness was especially evident in the care he gave to family. He was a significant caregiver to his grandmother, Susanna Vrabel; his mother, Mary Ann Mietty; and his great-aunt, Norma Pernoja. Caring for them was a major part of his life—a quiet, enduring expression of the Catholic faith he put into action.

Paul also found joy in the outdoors and in the familiar beauty of the places he loved. As a child, he spent summers with his grandparents in Fairport Harbor and practically lived on the beach. Fairport Harbor and Headlands Beach remained close to his heart. He loved being by the lake, canoeing on local lakes and rivers, and fishing. For Paul, fishing was about the time spent outdoors and the pleasure of the activity; a day without catching a fish could still be a wonderful day. He was drawn to local history and to the simple beauty of historic places, including covered bridges. He looked forward to the Tall Ships festival at North Coast Harbor and appreciated the quiet pleasures of life along the water. His love of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Southern Cross” was well known to those close to him. Becky Rizor’s brother-in-law Tim Longfellow’s tribute band, Long Time Gone, will always dedicate that song to Paul.

Paul was a devoted godfather to his godsons, Isaac and Noah Parker, who held a special place in his life. He treasured close friendships, including his friendship with Feliciano Gamez, and the many relationships he built through his family, church, work, music, and community.

Paul is survived by his brothers, David Mietty (Kurtis), and Gary Mietty (Janet); his uncle, John Vrabel (Carol); his cousin, Jonathon Vrabel (Renee’); his godsons, Isaac and Noah Parken and many, many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Ann (Vrabel) Mietty; his grandparents, Esa and Ina (Pernoja) Mietty, and John A. and Susanna (Janos) Vrabel; and his uncle, Nicholas Paul Vrabel.

Those who knew Paul will remember a man whose artistic gifts were matched by his generous heart. He encouraged others, served his family and parish, and found beauty in music, faith, history, and the natural world. His kindness and the care he gave so freely will remain with all who loved him.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 242 N. State St., Painesville, Ohio 44077. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, 385 Riverside Drive, Painesville, Ohio 44077.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus and the Retirement Fund for Religious.