Paul Czajka

Elizaville - Paul Czajka, 70, of Elizaville passed away September 3, 2024 with his sons Chris, Nick, and Tim at his side. Born to John Casmir Czajka and Carmela Mangiafico in Hudson, NY on March 9, 1954, Paul had a very active childhood growing up on the family farm with his siblings John, Marie Rose, Mimi, and Franny and many other family and friends who rotated through on a frequent basis. Paul was born and raised a dairyman. Life on the farm was always an adventure for Paul and his pals and he learned a lot of important lessons the hard way as one should. This life also instilled in him a commitment to hard work, as well as his characteristic stubbornness. Once PC was politely asked to not come back to Hamilton College, he decided a change was warranted and joined the Peace Corps. During his time as a Peace Corps volunteer in The Philippines, he once again made lifelong friends. While helping rural communities and farmers, he continued to learn some valuable lessons, some of which he even followed. Upon returning from The Philippines, he finished up his college and then law school, somehow with just a handful of minor breaks, cuts, bruises, and bans from certain watering holes. While he loved learning, he would be the first to tell you he loved having a couple of beers with interesting people even more. PC briefly returned to farming while starting his legal career in various roles, including private practice, Assistant District Attorney, and Public Defender. In each of these roles he cherished the opportunity to help his friends and neighbors however he could. During this time, Paul met and married Dr. Ellen Marie Cosgrove Czajka, with whom he went on to have his three sons, Chris, Nick, and Tim. In 1987, PC was elected Columbia Country District Attorney. DA Czajka hit the ground running, focusing his first terms combating drug trafficking, sexual and child abuse, and endemic corruption in what one State Police Superintendent referred to as the “unalterably corrupt city of Hudson.” DA Czajka became Judge Czajka in 1995 and earned a reputation as a tough but fair jurist. No gum in his courtroom and if you showed up late or unprepared it was probably better that you didn’t show up at all. After seventeen years as judge, he knew that his passion remained in the District Attorney’s Office. Beginning in 2012, DA Czajka (part 2) continued his pursuit of justice for all Columbia County residents and visitors, with a particular focus once again on the most vulnerable, until his retirement in December 2023 PC often told friends, family, and acquaintances he was most proud of his three sons, and his five, soon to be six, grandchildren. “Old Man” as his kids affectionately refer to him, among other nicknames that may not be suitable for this column, cherished fatherhood and being a grandfather. Paul is survived by his sons, Chris (Ann-Marie), Nick, and Tim (Jen), and his beloved five grandchildren. Paul is also survived by too many friends to name, but they know who they are. Paul is predeceased by his sister, Marie Rose, and his best friend, Bobby Moore. A public wake will be held at Bates and Anderson Funeral Home in Hudson, NY from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 8. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 9 at St. Mary’s Church / Holy Trinity Parish, Hudson, followed by burial at Holy Trinity Parish Nativity Chapel in Germantown. A celebration of life will be held at the Hudson Powerboat Association following PC’s burial. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Columbia Greene Humane Society. No gum allowed at any of the events, and please be on time. "He who does justice, will live in the presence of the Lord". Psalm 15

Paul Czajka

March 9, 1954 - September 3, 2024

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

Paul Czajka

March 9, 1954 - September 3, 2024

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

365 Days of Grief Support