Dear Karen,  I just learned about Paul's passing and I was deeply saddened to hear about it. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  Paul was way ahead of his time when I first met him in the early 80s.  Ahead of his time with keeping clients up-to-date with great and current hairstyles.  What I remember about him was that he always made it a point to say hello to every client who walked in to the salon.  I can only wish you, your family and, of course, James, peace during this time of sorrow.  God bless you and your family.  Pauline Mayer

My deepest sympathies to you, Karen, and to your daughters.

My Deepest sympathies to his family I knew Paul but a short while but in that period he was an Aviation Professional dedicated to promoting Safety in the sky's but above all a Gentleman whom I respected with honor...

Dear Karen, Catherine, Alanna, and James.  I was so upset to hear of Paul's passing.   I miss him already.   I dont know if you knew that I was 3 months older than Paul and he never failed to remind me of that.  EVERY birthday he would remind me of that!!   We weren't really cousins, but cousins of cousins.  We would start emails off by saying Dear Un-cousin:  We always got along so well as children and when I knew that he, his sister and brother would all be going to the family gathering at Aunt Margie and Uncle Franks, I was elated.  They were my favorite holidays.  Paul's father Al and my father Harry were best friends growing up on Jefferson Street in Brooklyn and we always liked to here their stories.  Uncle Al was taken much too early in life and I watched as Paul's mother (we called her Little Margie)  struggled without him.  She missed him so.  I know that you will miss Paul more.  He was a great person and I enjoyed our phone conversations and emails over the years.  I never dreamed that he wouldn't be there when I called.  My hart goes out to all of you and hope we meet again.

I was so shocked to hear of his passing.  I am so very sorry.  Blessings to you - Karen, girls, James and  Cathleen.  I'm sure he has traded his set of earthly wings for those of an angel.  Jane Gretschel Jinings

James, Karen, Alanna, Catherine and your entire familly, What a wonderful person and the Greatest friend anyone could imagine. My heart goes out to you. He will be missed tremendously. Rest in peace Paul   Ol SD

Paul was a good friend, a great Instructor Pilot and he will be missed by all that knew him, RIP my friend!

God Bless Paul on his Final Flight West....

Dear Karen, today I heard the tragic news of Paul's passing. I am devastated for you, your precious daughters, James, and your entire family. My heart and prayers are with you at this difficult time. A mutual friend remarked "the world was a better place with Paul in it" if you didn't know him you really missed knowing a very special man. Love always, Maureen d. Connolly

Dear Karen,
I am glad we spoke. Yes, we know that God is real and He is watching over Paul, you and your family. 
  Paul is so special in so many ways. 
Love,
Larry Zeller


Paul Gretschel Too Soon My Friend -

What an Incredible life. -  I was just laying here thinking about Paul's impact on people.... I am convinced that it's  best achievement in lifeYour mark on people.
He was  an important part of my life too- years, no - decades- of sharing and creating experiences together- most of them adventures in unchartered waters- especially in the early days-I met him when I was barely 17.
For over 20 years, 5 days a week he was my boss but seven days a week he was my family-
Driving out to Whitestone on Sunday's for the best meals still to date and real unconditional love from all his family. Now I wish I could talk to him- we would laugh and he would give me that half smile....
Cherry pits and The Deer Hunter- Flying to Block Island and Thursday Night Eating Club at the Country House..Man I could go on. I'll never forget when he called me Piccasso in front of the entire staff at a meeting once. Saying you just never know what I was going to do next-- but I was going to create it & would never be the same twice... Maybe he's right...... maybe my whole life is a Picasso painting.... Although sometimes it feels like a Dali....

Decades of life together everyday- 8 hours at work and then real life.  From the early days at Slaggers...to flying to Atlantic City as my Russian Persona "Urie". He always knew how to live life.. Although he called me "The foremost expert on everything"......if you wanted Solid Advice? Ask Paul..
He really influenced me-
So much of my "now" life philosophy was built around sayings we (Paul, James & Various combinations of Friends) created back in the eighties together.....
How S in Ever.......The early days of Paul James Salon built my outlook on life and my persistent attitude of optimism.....
Lord knows there were many times we had nothing but time on our hands, and "Plenty of Free Parking"
Some days we put up a sign "Gone Fishing" and had a pizza party..But when success followed hard work... We never hesitated to have 6 day work weeks with so many laughs.

Paul has the best family in the world-  The remarkable relationship he and James Gretschel shared is what I call World-Class Brotherhood.  

Neither one could ever have a better brother......❤

And Karen? I was in love with her before Paul was. My long time solid and true friend. 
I thought THAT was the best move he made  I was right. World-Class Wife. 
The intelligence, the verve, the sparkle, & the beauty that comes from both Alanna and Catherine are a truly reflective of their mom and dad's spirits combined. Bravo Paul. 

I was amazed but not surprised by the outpouring of people. It was incredible. The room overflowed every night and day... Out the door- it was stupendous- Most of the mourners  I have known  for decades as well. All of whom are famous in their own rite. All of our escapades...thru history surrounding Paul. 

And then I realized  all these people had come because he influenced them too!!
He taught something, to each and every single person in that room!!!!
You see, at one time or another each person looked to Paul Gretschel for approval... Whether it was, hair, business, aviation, life...he influenced them to be better, to grow- in some way....to become more. 

Paul Gretschel had an uncanny unfiltered way of seeing things. Sometimes you liked it and sometimes it was a sting of truth.
As a flight instructor & in the FAA- so many people challenged their abilities- gained knowledge and freedom of flight. 
I know he got me behind a yoke and logged  hours. But when I saw his godson Scotty, towering over me as a full-blown airline pilot for JetBlue That was when everything made sense about Paul Gretschel...... He was a real life changer. Influencer.
He combined Virtue, Valor, Fortitude  with with an amazing way of seeing life.

One of my favorite Henry Thoreau quotes "Most Men Live Lives of Quiet Desperation" 
Paul Gretschel did just the OPPOSITE... And he has the track record to prove it.
And I guess that's the ultimate gift. 

Thank You Paul❤I Love You. My Friend

Dear karen, James, Alana and Catherine, For over 20 years the Paul James Salon figured constantly in our lives, not just as a place to get our hair styled but also as a place where we were welcomed as friends and always made to feel special. Although Paul was not our stylist all that time he never failed to amble over to greet us and chat. It was that warmth and friendliness coupled with absolute professionalism in running the business and skill in cutting hair that made the salon the go to place to look and feel good that it was. I remember when Cactus had taken over but the Paul James Salon sign was still over the reception desk and I asked Paul what he was going to do with it his eyes filled up with tears and he just shook his head. Your husband, brother, father was the very epitome of a true gentleman. We are so shocked and saddened that he has left and send you our most sincere condolences with the hope that you are comforted by many memories of your happy times together. Hugs, Barbara and Nino Beltrami

Dear Karen, Alanna, Catherine and James,
I am. So sorry. I was away on vacation and just returned. My heart is broken for you. Paul had so many dreams to still realize. It just seemed like he would always be here.

Dear Karen and family,

Please accept my deepest condolences.  You know better than anyone what a wonderful man Paul was.  He lived this way on so many different levels and it was clearly evident in the six short years that I have known him.  

Paul gave me wonderful examples of how to live as a person and gave me some of the most sage advice I have ever received from anyone.  The world, and especially me, is a better place for having Paul in it, no matter how brief.

 Karen,Alanna,Catherine and James

I just wanted to offer my condolences to all of you.  I will miss my friend greatly and thank all of you for sharing your Husband, Dad and Brother with me the last several years.
Please contact me for anything you may need. 
All my Love
Steve

Dear Karen and family,

I knew Paul for many years and had the pleasure of meeting you and some of your wonderful family. Paul was a pleasure to be around and work with. Paul helped my daughter once when she was part of a FAA retesting recall program of newly acquired ATP pilots. Paul helped her through the process which I was always very thankful for. I will miss Paul's smile and remember him participating at the various Bonanza clinics. Paul always shared his opinions and expertise with everyone. Again, another great family man and instructor pilot who loved general aviation have left us. I will miss Paul and he will be in my thoughts every time I fly. My condolences go out to you Karen and your entire family.

Dear Gretschel family...as you know, Paul and I travelled the country together on behalf of BPPP and the Beechcraft flying community, and in doing so, we shared some of the best times of my life. From having lunch with John Glenn to walking the Riverwalk in San Antonio, to listening to Kent Ewing's stories of bailing out of not one, but two military jet airplanes, every trip was a new adventure. Throughout this, Paul and I were friends, mentors and colleagues to each other, and we shared a mutual passion for the people we met and the aircraft we flew along the way. Like many others have experienced, Paul tried to move me out of my "comfort zone" and up to a higher level. That was not an easy task but Paul Gretschel had the unique genius of making you better while sharing the journey with you. He helped you but did not judge you, and he always told it the way it was. The other night I explained that Paul was one of my very best friends, and he certainly made me feel that I was one of his. But now I know that because Paul had the biggest heart, he could be close friends with so many, and each of us got the best from him. I share the pain that all of Paul's family and friends are feeling these recent days, but I also fully understand that we were so fortunate to know him, to share with him, to be around him and to love him. He will stay with me down here until I see him again up there. With deepest sympathy and much love, Greg

Dear Karen and family,

We are so saddened by the passing of Paul. Many years we have known all of you and our hearts go out to the whole family.  We will keep all of you in our prayers. God Bless!  Al and Susan Berger

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

I want to remember Paul not for the void that is left in my life, but the fun times we had.  Our snarky remarks at work, our few brief flying adventures.  But mostly I will remember Paul for our evenings in the city with his family to see Hedda Lettuce host campy movies including Mommie Dearest and Pink Flamingos.  His family was never the same after seeing that, nor will we after his passing.

Karen,
I just read about Paul in Newsday and am shocked and saddened.  My heart breaks for you and your girls and Paul's brother James!  The love and devotion you all have for one another is evident to all who know you.  I love you and pray for God's grace for you all. XXX
Mary Beth

Dear Karen, Alanna, Catherine and James,
I'm so sorry for your loss.  I hope with the love and support of each other you find peace in remembering the fine husband, father and brother Paul was.

Today we read with sadness of the death of Paul.  It has been over 30 years since we last had our haircuts by Paul and James.  It was always our pleasure to share our stories with them both.  We were at the opening of their salon in St. James, and we travelled from the North Shore of Nassau just to have them cut our hair and that of our infant son.

His obituary evoked many fond memories.  We are pleased to have known him and to learn of the family he loved.  He certainly touched our lives and he will be missed.

Just heard the sad news, in the short time I knew Paul, I can say that he will be missed by all in the Long Island aviation community who knew him. He was pilot friendly, My sympathies to his family. Rest in Peace.
Peter Flanagan,
          Great Neck

Karen, Alanna, Catherine, and James,
  Once again, I am so very sorry for your loss. Words alone cannot express how special a man Paul was.  But I will try:  I first met Paul at an ABS BPPP class many years ago (I think in Ohio). Besides both of us being pilots...we were both from L.I.  After that weekend, our kinship was established. I felt so fortunate to have just met this awesome flight instructor, who was intimately familiar with my Beechcraft Baron, and who lived relatively close to home.  I immediately contacted Paul and made plans to fly with him back on L.I.   He was an amazing instructor who was full of knowledge.  He seemed to have a natural ability to teach..and this was always evident in the cockpit and on the ground, while debriefing a lesson. He made sure "you understood what had just occurred in the airplane..and why it occurred". Sometimes after a flight we would grab a bite to eat and talk about family and life. He was a self-made man who had the qualities that most would wish for. He was sincere, humble, genuine, intelligent, honest, pationate about his crafts, and a good family man.  Paul was old-school yet modern.
I will always miss Paul...but I will always remember him whenever I climb into my airplane....for he made me a better, safer pilot.  My family and I are all safer for me having gained knowledge from Paul.
R.I.P. my friend..................

May the stories about Paul and the celebration of his life bring you strength, peace, and encouragement that his legacy continues because of the love shared!  Diane Lisanti (Geri Levy's sister)

Gretschel Family: Paul was just so generous with his time and energy.I am so saddened to read of his passing and your profound loss.  God bless.

John Feddersen

Karen, Alanna, Catherine and James, - Paul's sudden passing reaffirms my belief how precious life is and that we should not take anything for granted. I feel Paul realized this by following his passion for aviation.  You are all blessed to have a tight knit family to lean on. My heart goes out to all of you. Please know that I am here for you at any time.

Paul, you will be sorely missed. I consider myself fortunate to have known you as a friend and fellow Bonanza and Baron flight instructor. You were always upbeat (even after going to work for the FAA!), and I looked forward to going to BPPP and BPT clinics when you were there. It was a joy talking with you. You were thoughtful, sharp, and fun to be with. You were a fantastic flight instructor. In my roles as Director of Instructor Standards and President of BPPP I knew every pilot you flew with was going to have a great experience, a lot of fun, and come out a safer pilot after working with you. You were one of the best.

Dear James 
I am so saddened to read of your profound lossGod bless you all with strength, hope and perseverance.

Dear Karen, Alanna, Catherine and James,

  My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband, father and brother. You are in my thoughts as you take this journey, may the wonderful memories you made over the years give you comfort. 
with my condolences,

Dear Karen, Alanna, Catherine and James,
We were so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

My sincere condolences to Paul's family on his sudden passing. Paul was a great guy to work with in Aviation and he was always a pleasure to be around on a personal basis. I enjoyed our conversations immensely. He will be missed by all. Our prayers to the Gretschel family. RIP Paul!

My heartfelt condolences to Karen and all the family. He will truly be missed.

So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Prayers to Karen & the whole family. I knew Paul as a wonderful hairdresser and a good and gentle man.

My sincere condolences. Paul was a great man. We had some great conversations over the years. I could always turn to him for answers. He will truly be missed.

Karen, family and James you are all in our thoughts and prayers.  Thinking about you all the time. Love and peace to you.

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayersLove Always, Jody & Rasco

We were so saddened to hear of Paul's passing.  Please accept our deepest sympathies.

James, Karen, Alanna and Catherine: I was so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel fortunate to have known Paul. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

So sad , my thoughts and prayers to James, Karen and family. I am eternally grateful to Paul for hiring me, as a color technician in 1982. It was my very 1st job in a career I still enjoy today. May he rest in peace, his memory eternal

My thoughts and prayers to Karen,Alanna Catherine and James.I will always remember the good times we shared growing up together.Another star in the sky my dear cousin. Love, Betty-Lou

Dear James, Karen & Family:  I was saddened to hear about Paul.  I have thought about you all over the years. Please accept my condolences and my prayers.
Susan Young

As a DPE flight examiner, Paul was my POI inspector and always called it as he saw it.  But also, he was helpful and insightful, offering his help in a friendly and courteous way.  I appreciated his guidance many times and enjoyed the simple conversations about family and friends.  I will miss Paul and can only wish my kindest sympathy and condolences to the family.  God Bless.

Always quick to shake your hand at a Wings seminar or FIRC. Always helpful with FAA paperwork and advice on flying safely. A humble man yet brimming with knowledge. Paul, you will be missed!

My most profound condolences and sympathy to Karen, Alanna, Catherine and James Gretschel and all of the Gretschel and Vicale family on the loss of Paul. He was a long-time and extremely warm-hearted and loyal friend for so many years.

Our prayers go out to the entire Gretschel family. May his memory be a source of comfort to you all.

My condolences to your family. Paul is a great man and will be missed by many.

Paul, we were supposed to get together tonight........I loved you like a brother, even MORE.........my heartfelt condolences to Karen, James, Paul's family and all who were touched by Paul's kindness and integrity.......you certainly my a positive difference in my life as well as many others.......I miss you incredibly.... Rest in peace Paul..

With our condolences to Karen and "the Girls", love and prayers, Mary Kirby-Diaz and Gil Diaz.

Paul - you started as my haircutter, but became my friend.  I think of you a lot - and will continue to do so, with all good thoughts and prayers. You are already missed.  Gil Diaz (Hauppauge, NY)

Paul - I always think of you as a great husband and father, a terrific business man and a lover of flying.  May God keep you in the palm of his hands.  Prayers for always,  Mary Kirby-Diaz (Hauppauge, NY)

Karen, Alanna, and Catherine,

I am so sorry for your loss as a husband and father.  My heart goes out to all of you.
Love,
Cathy (Aunt Cathy)

With my deepest condolences to all of his friends & family....Lord...Please welcome Paul into your blessed kingdom, & may he fly with the angels in heaven, for he had the kindest soul on earth...Rest in Peace Forever.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen and your family at this most difficult time.  Paul will always be remembered as a wonderful caring person.  He was loved by all who knew him and will be missed forever.
Mark and Lynne Slovin and family

Paul was a very nice person and well loved. I'm sorry I will miss the service and I will miss him too. My prayers for the family.

Paul, you will be sadly missed as a FAASTeam Program Manager and a loss to general aviation safety.

Jim Adams, FAASTeam Program Mgr. Bradley FSDO.

God Bless your family at this time. Paul will be missed by all.

There are no words to describe the sadness, pain and loss we've all suffered by Paul's death.  He was an amazing person and a wonderful friend.  So proud of his incredible daughters and their academic and professional achievments and so in love with Karen.  I'll miss him every day.

OBITUARY

Paul Gretschel

6 April, 1949 – 15 July, 2015

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes

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