Paul Bechtel

Paul Bechtel, known and loved by so many as “Paulie” or “Uncle Paulie”, of Woodcliff Lake, NJ, passed away on December 26, 2025. Beloved son of the Late Paul and Mary (Turro) Bechtel and brother of the late Barbara Myerjack and her husband Joe, Paulie is survived by his SWEETIE, Sue Wilson; her brother Willie Wilson and Lynn Wilson and their children; her sister Judi Schuster and husband Jeff Schuster and their children and two grand-children; his nephew Joseph Myerjack, his wife Cathy, and their three children; his niece Mary Ann Crudello, her husband Alex, and their three children; his niece Barbara Jean Oliveri, her husband Vinny, and their two children; and many cousins.

Born in Teaneck, NJ. He grew up in Bogota NJ. He and his friends still refer to themselves as “The Bogota Boys”. Paulie played high school football and served in the Unted States Army.

Shortly after graduating Bogota High School, he began his restaurant career with the Riveria Pizzeria. In 1972 he purchased the Library Restaurant and Bar. Not only was it a business success… countless people met their loved ones at The Library!

Paulie was also owner of several other restaurants most notably Lift-The- Latch and Chesire Cat, both in Paramus.

He moved to Woodcliff Lake in 1972 where, upon his retirement from the restaurant business he was Woodcliff Lake Fire Official for over 20 years. He was also Fire Inspector in Hillsdale NJ, and an Honorary Member of the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department.

Paulies most notable accomplishment was touching the lives and hearts of everyone he met. There are no words to say how much he will be missed but he will be remembered forever.

The family will receive their relatives and friends on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood.

A Mass celebrating Paul’s life and faith will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 9:30am in Our Lady Mother of the Church, 209 Woodcliff Ave, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677.The Committal Service will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 179 Hackensack Ave, Hackensack, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodcliff Lake Fire Department.