Paul John Behrens

Paul was born in Jersey City, NJ to Warren Behrens and Helen Rutledge Behrens. He was raised in West Milford, NJ and graduated from West Milford High School. He earned a BS degree in Marine Biology at Long Island University and an MS in Marine Biology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Paul began his career as an environmental scientist for Florida Power Corporation in St. Petersburg, FL. He later worked as an environmental manager for engineering and consulting firms in Florida and Georgia including URS Corporation, and SMS Corporation.

Paul was an expert woodworker who made wonderful furniture and did many home remodeling projects. A bicyclist and runner, Paul participated in many marathons and triathlons. He enjoyed playing football and lacrosse in high school and college and later played on community flag football teams. He was an avid boater and fisherman, and with his family, enjoyed many fishing trips off the coast of St. Petersburg, FL and in the Florida Keys. He loved traveling and visited many of our National Parks and traveled to Europe and Iceland. He most recently went on safari in several African countries. He enjoyed the outdoors and hiking and enjoyed the remoteness of his cabin in Stratford, NY in the Adirondacks. He enjoyed socializing, skiing, watching football, and going to spring training baseball games.

Paul was a volunteer with Florida Special Olympics and Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, FL. He loved all animals, especially dogs, and rescued many dogs over the years.

Paul is predeceased by his parents, Helen and Warren Behrens. He is survived by Elaine Potusky, his beloved wife of 30 years, and his son Andrew (partner Melissa Busl) of Brandon, FL, step-daughter Sarah Macinski (partner Mike Bauer) of Albany, NY, and grandchild Dorothy Sperry of Albany, NY. He is also survived by brothers Walter Behrens (Lucia) of Oak Ridge, NJ, and Scott Behrens (Robin) of Punta Gorda, FL and sister Lynn Robertia (Joseph) of Kasilof, AK; all of whom will miss Paul greatly.

He will also be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law, Sharon Potusky (Stephen Webb) Pfafftown, NC and Judy Ochs (Steve) of Fernandina Beach, FL.

A Gathering of Family and Friends and Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:00 am, Blount & Curry, Temple Terrace Chapel, 12690 N 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL. Condolences may be offered online at www.blountcurryterraceoaks.com. Memorial gifts may be given to Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL at www.moffitt.org

The family of Paul Behrens wishes to extend sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Moffitt Cancer Center and AccentCare Hospice.