Lawrence T. Paul PhD

He went to Muhlenberg College where he received his Bachelor of Sciences. At Muhlenberg, he was a varsity wrestler and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He then continued his education at The Ohio State University where he received his Masters and PhD in physiology. He then taught physiology to medical, dental and nursing students at OSU for 39 years and was a professor emeritus in the physiology department. He was an inspirational and gifted educator who taught generations of doctors and healthcare workers, including his own daughter and son-in-law. After his retirement, he even sat down with his granddaughter before she went to medical school and gave her a physiology rundown while they were sitting on the balcony at the beach. During his illustrious career, he was lauded for his ability to make physiology engaging (and even funny at times) and received a standing ovation from his students.

Larry (or Bucky) was an avid trumpet player growing up and fell in love with his wife, Wilma Paul, while playing a trumpet and piano duet together. They knew each other all their lives and were married almost 70 years. He was a devoted and exceptional father and grandfather and never missed a dance recital, concert, tennis match, or swim meet. He and Wilma were even dubbed honorary mascots, behind the infamous unicorn, of the Columbus School for Girls tennis team. He was a buckeye through and through and enjoyed going to football and basketball games with his family. He loved taking his family down to Litchfield by the Sea every year and walking on the beach, going to shows, and frequenting the Krispy Kreme in the area with his brother-in-law, John Hoffman, to get their donuts and paper hats. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and man. He was the funniest and most selfless person, giving to others long before he helped himself.

Larry will be greatly missed by his wife, Wilma Paul; daughter, Barbara Paul-Verzella; son-in-law, Dr. David Verzella; and granddaughter, Dr. Alexandra Verzella.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Paul and sister, Shirley (Paul) Underkoffler.

Celebration of Life will be held at The Faculty Club at Ohio State on July 11th, 2026 from 1-4pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.