LANCASTER, SC – Mr. Paul Francis Arioli, Sr., age 82, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. He was born on November 23, 1943, in Rochester, NY, a son of the late Frank Arioli and the late Alice E. Pilato Arioli and was the loving husband of the late Judy Darlene Hill Arioli.

Paul was a devoted coach, public servant, veteran, and family man whose life was defined by service, sportsmanship, and genuine kindness to others. For more than 40 years, Paul dedicated himself to coaching baseball and football, shaping not only athletes but young people's character through teamwork, discipline, and encouragement.

A passionate supporter of soccer, Paul helped start some of the earliest soccer teams in Lancaster alongside other men who shared his love for the game. His efforts helped lay the foundation for organized soccer in the county, long before the Lancaster County Recreation Department took over the program. Later, Paul co-founded the Andrew Jackson Soccer Program with his close friend Butch Dutton, leaving a lasting legacy in youth athletics.

Paul took special pride in coaching his grandsons, spending many years guiding them on the field while continuing to coach others. He was a constant and enthusiastic supporter of his children and grandchildren in all their athletic pursuits, including football, baseball, soccer, and basketball. His love of sports extended beyond coaching—Paul was a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan, loyal throughout every season.

Beyond the field, Paul worked for over 40 years as a mapper at the Lancaster County Assessor's Office, where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. He also proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years.

Above all else, Paul was known for his character. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His kindness, generosity, and passion for helping others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Paul's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched—as a coach, mentor, coworker, veteran, friend, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Paul is survived by his two sons, Jeff Arioli (Vicki) and Paul "Butch" Arioli, Jr. (Michelle); his daughter, Gina Arioli (Kindell); his grandchildren, Justin Arioli, Matt Ellis, Ryan Arioli (Ryan), Andrew "Red" Ellis (Payton), Zachary Arioli, and Dalton Arioli; his great-grandchildren, Cohen and Wyatt Ellis and Ryland Arioli, and two more on the way; his sister, Rose Alice Sonoga; and many special family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years; Judy Arioli; his parents, Frank and Alice Arioli; his brother, Don Arioli; his step-mother, Grace Elmer Arioli, and her two sons, Bruce and Gary Caruana.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Paul will be at 4:30 pm Sunday, January 11, 2026, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Joshua Sonoga.

The family will receive friends from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, one hour prior to the service at Burgess Funeral Home.

The family respectfully invites those attending to honor Paul's love for the Buffalo Bills by wearing Buffalo Bills attire or team colors, should they wish, as the team held a special place in his heart.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to The Carnation Foundation/Agape Hospice, Patient Fund, CarnationFoundation.org.