Paul Fedock

Paul Fedock, 78, Professor at Phoenix College, passed away peacefully at home on March 7th, 2025 after an exuberant life of love and adventure with family by his side after living with cancer since the fall of 2023.

Paul was born on February 28th, 1947 in Phoenix, Arizona to his loving parents, Andy and Blanche Fedock. He was the third in line of the Fedock boys, survived by his eldest brother Bob, and youngest, Joe, joining his brother Donnie (Dilbert) who passed in August 2024. He’s also survived by his beloved wife Shirley, daughters Rachel Fedock and Annie Brayer (Aaron), grandkids, Clark, Betty, and Frank Brayer, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Paul’s second family, The Tuckey Lane Gang, provided additional love, support, as well as fun, and lots of mischief throughout his childhood and all of his life. He attended St. Mary’s grade school and SS. Simon and Jude before graduating from St. Mary’s high school in 1965, where he played trombone in band, and was a star athlete in baseball, basketball, football, and tennis, a true jock. He continued his education while playing football (quarterback) at Phoenix College, graduating in 1967, wrapping up his undergraduate bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona in 1970 with a double major in Physical Education and Mathematics, following in his mother’s footsteps. He later earned his Master's from Arizona State University in Mathematics.

Paul was lucky enough to have two loves of his life. While attending Phoenix College, he met Patti Barnes, began dating and were married on January 23, 1971. He started his teaching career at Apollo High School, teaching math and coaching tennis, his biggest passions. When talk of family came into the picture, Patti told him to get a “real job,” at which point, he transitioned into the IT world, which he worked in for more than 20 years, all while continuing to teach at Maricopa Community Colleges. The day Paul and Patti received their adoption certification from the state, they also found out they were having a baby. Rachel was born in 1980. Annie was born in 1983. When Patti returned to graduate school, Paul began his “Mr. Mom” career to allow Patti to study, do research, and write her dissertation. One of his duties was bath time, which involved a lot of fun, laughs, screams, and water damage much to Patti’s dismay. He also spent a considerable amount of time combing the girls’ many snarls out of their hair after their bath. They also enjoyed lots of pool time and wrestling with “dear old dad” and he served as their softball coach for several years.

Paul transitioned out of IT in the early 2000’s and returned to his first love of teaching full-time, starting at Washington High School, but later moved back to his old alma mater, Phoenix College, which he taught at until 2 weeks before his passing - a testament to his love and dedication of teaching. He has kept in touch with and run into countless former students over the years from Apollo High School to Phoenix College - all of whom always express their deep gratitude for his caring, clear, compassionate teaching. They also often note an appreciation for his ridiculous sense of humor.

Patti and Paul vacationed in Germany with dear family friend Steve Givens, Cabo San Lucas, and enjoyed numerous family vacations on Coronado Island off San Diego. Luckily, Patti and Paul had the adventure of a lifetime (top of their bucket list) travelling to Africa in 2017, where he went whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River, an amazing trip that he cherished.

After Patti’s passing in 2020, Paul reconnected with a family friend of over 20 years, Shirley Fobke, who became the next love of his life. They were married in Oak Creek Canyon on November 12th, 2022. They enjoyed many fun adventures together, from socializing with friends, to babysitting Paul's grandkids, Clark, Betty, and Frankie (his pride and joy) to many parties, celebrations and travels, including numerous trips to California, Mexico, and a European tour though the UK, Spain, Switzerland, and Germany with daughter Rachel. Shirley was his biggest support and advocate, especially throughout his cancer journey - the family can’t thank you enough, Shirley.

One can’t talk about Paul without paying tribute to his UofA fandom, love of tennis, Christmas lights, and his “Pollyanna” attitude. He was a die-hard UofA fan, always attending the rivalry game in his infamous UofA gear, exuberantly socializing with fans from both teams while enjoying a few “adult beverages” and signing autographs. Paul was always at “peak Paul” at the games - it was a hilarious site to behold. Although Paul took a break from tennis in the 90s, he returned in the 2000s and kicked up his career again while coaching at Washington, playing in leagues and tournaments as a ranked player, 156th in the country in the 70s division. He loved watching the sport too, especially Roger Federer. And while on his trip to the UK, he was absolutely thrilled to tour the Wimbledon grounds. Paul was also famous for his spectacular Christmas light displays, which started receiving local news recognition in 1992 and continued since then. He loved spending hours outside meticulously planning and hanging his lights and sharing his Christmas joy with neighbors, family, and friends. Paul's internal light was even brighter than his Christmas lights - he exuded positivity always, often called, “Mr. Pollyanna.” His positive attitude was accompanied by a fantastic sense of humor, while always demonstrating kindness, compassion, and integrity for everyone he in his life.

Family was always his top priority. In recent years, he spent countless hours with Shirley, his daughters, and grandkids at many family gatherings and vacations. Once Rachel was in her 20’s they began enjoying happy hours together. After Patti’s passing, happy hour became a standing date every Friday night, enjoying their last happy hour together on his birthday this year in the hospital on February 28th. He also cherished his countless friends - former students, tennis and golf buddies, former classmates, colleagues, and neighbors.

Paul, Dad, Papa, Boss, Mr. Fedock, Professor Pablo, Buns, Peanut, we sorely miss you. Life will never be the same, but we will all do our best to continue your Pollyanna attitude.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Phoenix College in memory of Paul Fedock to support student scholarships. Please join the family for his visitation on Sunday, March 16, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home (4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018), with a Rosary at 4:00 PM. His Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 17, at 12:00 PM at S.S. Simon and Jude Cathedral (6351 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017), followed by a burial procession to St. Francis Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place afterward at Paul and Shirley’s home.