Montpelier, VT Paul W. Sykas of Groton, Vermont passed away after a brief illness on Monday, May 29, 2017 surrounded by family. Paul was born in Montpelier on September 30, 1938 to Anna Sykas (Gerber) and William J. Sykas. Paul graduated from Montpelier High School and began working with his father at the Lobster Pot Restaurant. After a few years, Paul joined the Vermont Army National Guard in the mid fifty's and served until 1962. He then joined the United States Air Force and served until 1966 when he ended his career as Staff Sargent. Upon returning from the Air Force, Paul continued his love of cooking and serving people by running two separate snack bars in the Randolph area. After joining his father again at the Lobster Pot, Paul met his wife Pat Stoddard of Orleans and they married on April 19, 1970. Paul and Pat then took over the Lobster Pot Restaurant from his father and continued to run the restaurant until their retirement. Paul and Pat also owned Yankee Wine and Spirits in Montpelier and the Tower Restaurant in Berlin over their careers as local business owners. Besides cooking and entertaining, Paul had a passion for cards, photography, drawing and wood carving. Paul was always the perfect host, making everyone feel welcome. He especially enjoyed cooking for "the core" and teaching and making bread with his grandsons. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart that was generous and loving. He was predeceased by his son Steve Sykas of Plainfield, and his brothers Jim, Tom, and Peter Sykas. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Pat Sykas. Other survivors include his daughter, Julie DiPilato, her husband, Chris, and their sons, Jacob and Ryan of Marstons Mills, Mass.; his daughter-in-law Amy and her husband Michael Flannery of Plainfield; his brother and sister-in-law John and Marilyn Sykas and his god-mother Cleo Tsolas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides of the family There will be no formal funeral service; however, calling hours will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier. A private burial will take place for family only. Paul requested that any services for him be a time to reflect on happier moments of his life rather than a somber event. It is therefore Paul's wish for people not to wear black to calling hours. In keeping with Paul's generosity and love to feed people, memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Food Bank, 33 Parker Road, Barre, VT 05601 – 802-476-3341