The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
David J. Pakulski Inducted 2026 - Class of 1978
The son of a Woodward graduate and the first of seven siblings to graduate from WHS, David Pakulski, or “Paku” as he was known during his time at Woodward, credits much of his success in life to the vocational education he received at WHS. Educators such as Ted Csizek made a lifelong impact on David by teaching him to learn with his head and his hands.
Those skills served him well as he moved from post-secondary education into his career in the manufacturing and supply chain industry. After graduation, David earned his associate's degree from Owens Community College, his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University, and his master's degree from the University of Toledo.
He began his career as a shift supervisor for Vulcan Materials Company and made several career advancements with different companies before taking on the position of Senior Supply Chain Manager for Wurtec Inc. Having earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1976, David continues to serve his community today as a volunteer with the LPGA Golf Tournament and as a lector at St. Adelbert Church. He has also served as a board member of the Polish American Community of
Toledo. David has been married to his wife, Dee, for 36 years.
Where did you attend grade school and/or junior high school? St. Adalbert
In what neighborhood did you live while attending Woodward? Please describe it. North-end of Toledo, near St. Adalbert on LaGrange Street, in the Polish village.
Who were your best friends while attending Woodward? My brother Steve.
Describe an important and/or humorous thing(s) that happened to you while you were at Woodward. In Electrical shop class, Mr. Thompson allowed us to wire-up the handle of a brief case with an electrical charge (low voltage) & we set the brief case in the hallway & hid behind the shop class door to observe the reaction of those (non-shop students walking the hallway) who chose to pick it up. As I recall, there were several persons who did pick it up, for some reason, & we all got a kick out of the reactions.
Who were your favorite teachers at Woodward? Why? There were several, and my absolute favorite was Mr. Ted Csizek (automotive mechanics). Mr. Csizek taught both the science & practical aspects of auto-mechanics, with safety being paramount while working in the shop under cars..
While at Woodward, did you have any nicknames? What were they? What is the story behind them? Paku.
Did any Woodward staff members have a profound effect on you? Who? In what way did they affect you? Mr. Bob Geis. Always welcoming, knew me by name and wanted to make sure I was doing OK at WHS.
Please share one of your favorite memories of Woodward. The high caliber of Teachers at WHS. Each having their own distinct personality & method, but who all shared the same common goal of making sure I learned the material. The same with my sports coaches in cross-country, baseball & wrestling - they all made sure I developed my skills.
Are you married? Married, to Dee Pakulski for 36 years & counting.
Please tell us about your family members. No children, grandchildren, etc. however have the good fortune of many nieces & nephews. My father Walter Pakulski was a WHS graduate (YR 1947) & I am the first of seven siblings who graduated from WHS.
What are your present hobbies? What do you do for fun? Cycling (road bicycle), Golf, & Genealogy.
How did you feel when you were informed of this honor? Honored & greatly appreciative.