My deepest condolences to all of you.Paul was a very special person. Onkel Fritz, Tante Emmi and Freddie loved him very much, so did I. Always friendly and kind.
Meine Gedanken sind bei Euch, liebe Edith.
In der Stille, Pauline Hoefer, Germany.

Hi, I'm Paul DuBois' grandson Josh. To me my grandpa was my go-to guy, the closest guy to me. No matter what situation I was in he was cool, calm, collected and was always open to talk to. We shared so many memories that I will never forget. From trips to far away places like Arizona or just visiting his house. One of my favorite moments was when I was able to sail with him and he taught me how to sail! I'll never forget the way he told how to turn rudder on the ship. But the best moment and the worst moment was seeing him in the hospital that one last time. I was upset to go to see him in the hospital. I knew it would be hard seeing him there in a bed with tubes all over him. But looking back on that day I feel guilty that I thought that, because I was lucky I enough to say good-bye.     
Earlier that day we had seen a show in the city called Magic/Bird. It was the story of the rivalry of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird that later turned into a friendship. They were two of the greatest basketball players to ever live. They dominated the sport for 15 years and they are considered to have saved the sport of basketball. At the end of the play an actor portraying as a fan said, “They seemed like something that would never end.” When he said that I got a funny feeling. Yet it happened, their careers ended, but they were able to play in one last all- star game. To me my grandpa was bigger than that. He lived life to an extent that will never be matched. How could he just go away? He beat cancer twice and lived for 82 years! But he died when cancer hit that third time. But to me he didn't need a last “all-star” game because there was nothing left to do. He's told me stories about things like shoffering Bon Jovi, being in the Navy, and even his visits to Santo Domingo. I have heard hundreds of his stories and I know there are some that I will never hear. And I hope that everyone in this church had the privilege to hear a story of his. I know that one of his reasons for living as long as he did was to share his stories of life. 

My grandfather reminds me of Jesus, a man spreading wisdom, helping others, and giving people the optimism to see the brighter side within everything. Every once in a while I will have memories of him and I together. Although they are only memories I will relive the moment every time. And sometimes I can feel his presence influencing me with me a soft, warm voice to see the brighter side of things.

To Karen and Edith: our deepest sympathy and may you remember all the happy moments with Paul! All the best from Michael, Petra, Liane

A Remembrance of Paul
First Presbyterian Church of Englewood
May 7, 2012
------------
We know that Paul loved people.  And we know that he offered friendship in a heartbeat, even to strangers -- his answering machine greeting ended by wishing all callers to "have a GRAND day!"

In preparing my remembrance of Paul, I of course started out by thinking about his colorful life and stories.   He bought and sold trains in Bulgaria.   He invested in agriculture in the Dominican Republic.   For heaven's sake, he had a corporate office in Japan and drove Bon Jovi to his concerts.  He sailed the Virgin Islands, and dreamed of sailing across the Atlantic.  

But what was Paul's life about?  What kind of man was he?

Paul loved modern gadgets--an early adopter of GPS devices, of computers, and the cell phone.  But he also loved to figure out how everything worked.   So when it was time to buy a computer, he found a small reseller at a trade show.  I'm not sure who adopted who, but Jun helped Paul him build one himself.  He was annoyed that cars became full of electronic systems since it meant he could no longer tinker meaningfully with them himself.  But in the end, he also marveled at how reliable his Toyota Avalon was.  He liked the old-fashioned ways, but respected the innovations the modernity brought.

But to me, Paul was not really a modern man.  I think his ideal time would have been the 1800s, when America was settling the frontier.  To live in a time when a man could take his family out west and claim some land, build a home, a farm, and a rich life through sweat, hard work, and ingenuity, and at night to gather together and tell the stories of the day around the campfire.  And, of course, drink lots of good old cowboy coffee.

To live in a time when a man was judged not by his flash or money or ego, but by whether he was a man of his word, whether he accepted responsibility for his actions, and that could be counted on to keep the fences mended, and show up when there was a barn-raising nearby.  Paul was that kind of man.  

Paul also shared the cock-eyed optimism that must have accompanied the pioneers settling the American frontier or else how could they go on.   I think Paul also preferred to dress old-fashioned -- he looked great in a bowtie or in a string tie, and one of his favorite things to do with Edith was to go to a square dance, which they did a lot in their younger days, including once right here in this church.

Paul always believed that he would accomplish what he set out to do.  Sure, he had his ups and downs, but there was never a setback that dampened his enthusiasm, or his sunny outlook on life.   He loved sailing so when he retired he became an integral part of the NJ Sailing School, and developed a pioneering program called the mentor program, where salty dogs like him would take out inexperienced sailors who were not quite up to taking a boat out by themselves.   

Everyone is going to miss Paul, for the hole in our lives that his leaving us means.  But there's not the kind of sadness that might otherwise accompany a person's departure.  That's because Paul lived his life fully, he followed his passions and his dreams to best of his energy and ability, he loved his family without boundaries, and he was kind and caring to both friend and strangers.  Like the song from the movie, Toy Story, you could count on him.

So I want you not to be sad, and maybe, even, I can wish for all of you to "have a GRAND day.”

Grandpa was my man. He was always there for me in any situation. I will miss him too much.

To Karen, It was a lovely memorial service for your Dad.  I loved seeing all the pictures of happy times you shared together.  Those memories will sustain you as you work through acute phase of your grief.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Love, Mary Anne

Paul was my brother; when he first became a part of our family he was always supportive, encouraging and always looked on the bright side. He was the the epitome of a half-full glass person. It was Paul who first got me interested in Agriculture by having friends of his let me spend time on their farm.  I joined the Navy because of Paul, it just seemed a natural tthing to do-because Paul did it.  When Pop got sick and went away for time, Paul, Heinz and I kept the store going until he returned. He always had a smile and seemed tireless through it all.  I remember when he was younger and had to have radiation treatments; he never felt down and "kept a stiff upper lip" through the whole ordeal.  Paul, I will always remember the times we shared, you were a real true brother and friend. God bless you!

Always an upbeat man. I was happy to have Paul on our boat and in my life. Certainly he is in good company with the many good people who have gone before. Paul - you will be missed. Capt. Ron

You have our heartfelt sympathy and we send you our love and condolenses. We are so fortunate to have shared so many holidays with Paul and your family.  He will be missed.

It was a pleasure spending the holiday's with Paul.  We will remember him fondly.

My deepest sympathies for your tremendous loss.

To Mrs. DuBois and Karen, my deepest sympathy.
I will always remember Mr. DuBois' love of and dedication to his profession, his
wonderful stories about being a chauffeur, and what a truely genuine and sweet man he was. Karen, you were blessed to have had him as a father.

DuBois Family.......

I am so sorry for your loss.  I have been remembering so many memories of  Mr. DuBois when we were growing up. He was always there for us, with a ride to the city for a concert or bowling......or the trip we took to DC way back when......loved riding in those limo's!  He was a great guy.

Karen, Edith and Family,  We are so sorry for your loss.  Although we have not seen you in years we remember you when you lived here in Pompton Plains.  Please accept our sincere sympathy for your husband, father and grandfather.  Mary & Jack Hart

A great man;and a great friend to my father... You will be missed..

It's hard to imagine Paul any way other than lively, with his great easy-going style. He made a big impression on me, especially his fearlessness and generous spirit. I remember him taking me to the limo office and garage, and I eventually became a black car salesman for a year and even tried my hand as a driver for a few months--it was too tough for me. I remember Paul driving without the least complaint, even though he drove so much at work. He loved being out and about. I can see him now, smiling while behind the wheel, ready for everything coming his way.

He will always be known as Karen's dad... the one with the infectious smile and fun filled laughter and the Bon Jovi stories.....

Linda Schmidt

Karen and Edith, I am so happy to have shared a bit of Easter with the two of you and Paul. Karen, he was so proud of you and your family and Edith, it was evident the love he had for you. He was always a dapper gentleman with a quick smile and a fun sense of humor. I am glad to have met him and to witness all the love he had to share.  Laurie Hyslop

We will miss seeing you at Karen's house.  You always greeted us with such warmth and kindness.  You will always be remembered this way!  
Love,
George, Janice, Silvia and Carlos Acosta

the world is a poorer place without Paul in it. His smile was contagious and his love of his family was evident in everything he did. He sailed with my husband and I several times and was such a welcomed addition to the crew of Maranatha. To the entire DuBois family ~ I am sorry for your loss and your pain. to you ~ Paul ~ you will be missed. Marion

Whenever the wind suddenly gusts, salt spray hits us unexpectedly or Caribbean noises turn out to come from a secret bar with awesome rum punches...Paul, you will be there with us!  Thank you for the memories and for showing us how to live life to the fullest.  Fair winds and following seas, my friend!  Always...

Paul was a good man and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Paul,  I've known you since I was in the 5th grade so it seems like you were always a big part of our family.  I remember those 4th of July picnics when we closed the store and piled into your car with Mommy & Poppa and went to different places every year for the Big Picnic.  Sometimes we rode in the Packard convertible and sometimes in a jeep.  We always had a lot of fun and we will miss you.   Love Hazel

We are sooooo sad to hear your news. Impossible to imagine almost . . . he was always so sweet and full of kindness!! I will remember his warmth beneath the Jersey shore sun and his undying love for his beautiful grandchildren.  I admired him and will really miss him. I'm glad I got to see him this year to keep that memory fresh.  We wish your mother all the support she needs through this difficult time.  And our love goes out to you Karen, Bob, Joshua and Emily . . . big bigs hugs all around.

We will always remember your warm smile.  You always made us feel welcome whenever we would visit.  You will be greatly missed.

Karen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

It is with great sadness that I write this entry. My memories of Paul were a constant smile,always a warm welcome, and thoughts of adventure and excitement. His enthusiasm for life was palpable. We will surely miss hearing of your adventures. Peace and love to your family. May we always feel your spirit on the waters. Love, Sherry and Marc Schur

Edith - words are never sufficient at a time such as this.  Thinking of you - Sue Barrell (OLV T'ai Chi).

Our heartfelt condolences to Aunt Edith and Karen.  We have great memories of the last time we saw Uncle Paul when we were in Greenwood Lake. 
Carol & Tommy

We will miss seeing Paul's smiling face at Emily & Joshua's many activities. It was a priveledge to know such a warm, kind and generous man. 
With sympathy and love, 
Ingrid, Mike, James & Nina

I got to know Paul thru sailing with he and Karen. What a natural-born teacher - patient and relaxed and not at all phased by two neophytes pulling lines here and there, trying to come about!  I truly enjoyed listening to his stories.  A warm, generous man with a great smile.

Even though the miles have separated us, i have always kept my memories of my uncle paul in a special place.  His sense of humor is the one thing that stands out most in my mind. My aunt and uncle were like 2nd parents to me when i was growing up. i will miss you.

Grandpa, I love you and will miss your dearly.

You were so proud of your mother and loved her so much.  That is how we feel about you.

Marrying Mom was one of your best decisions (smile).  July 7, 2951

WE miss you Dad!  I hope you are enjoying time with your childhood pet PUJO.  Remember the times you shared with him in Central park at the boat lake?

OBITUARY

Paul DuBois

August 1, 1929 – April 18, 2012

D'Elia Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services