Paul Albert Dentz, Jr.

Paul Dentz, Jr. peacefully passed away at his Wayne home with family on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the age of 84. He is survived his daughter Lori Schoenagel and her husband, Fred; his son Steven and wife, Jeanne; his son Jon-Eric and wife, Monika; and his adoring grandchildren: Ava, Jack, Sabina and Aidan, and by the mother of his children, Hanne Lore Dentz, along with his many special friends. He was pre-deceased by his loving parents, Paul and Helen and his brother David.

Paul was loved and admired not only for his intelligence but also for his sharp wit that drew belly laughs from all who knew him. Paul would light up a room with his self-deprecating humor, making those in his presence always feel good about themselves.  Fortunately for Paul, his three loving children knew to keep his ego in check; they loved to tease him because they learned how to joke from the master himself, their Pops. Every family get together was met with laughter and love, and, of course, a good bottle of wine and German beer.   

Paul grew up in Wyckoff, NJ and attended the regional high school, Ramsey High School. He attended Union College, and immediately upon graduating from Union, Paul began his career as a teacher of English and social studies at Ramapo High School. It soon became apparent that he had found his calling in life. He brought to the classroom a special combination of intellectual excellence and an ability to see each student as an individual. At a time when soccer was not considered a sport for real men, he persuaded the powers that be to let him begin a boys soccer program at Ramapo. It is a measure of his success as a coach and a mentor that members of that team still kept in touch with him 50 years later. After pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling at Seton Hall University, Paul became a guidance counselor and in 1964 became the Director of Guidance at the newly established Indian Hills High School for the next 35 years.

At Indian Hills, Paul quickly established himself as the heart and soul of the school. He offered his special brand of understanding, empathy and academic advice to generations of students. His knowledge of the college admissions process was encyclopedic. He built a department that reflected this approach and was continually seeking ways to improve the services of the department. He gave the counselors room to grow and was always open to establishing new services to support students. He continued his own studies earning a certificate in family counseling at Manhattan College and pursuing course work in alcohol and drug addiction prevention. He was always available for teachers and other staff members facing personal or professional problems. He was an informal Indian Hills human relations department­­––a mentor to young people entering the profession and a supportive friend to all. He became know as “Dean,” a title of respect and endearment. For those hundreds of students who he influenced and for many professionals who had the good fortune to work with him, he will always be remembered as a person of great integrity and humanity who worked to make our world a better place for all.

Paul had many intellectual and cultural interests: reading, crossword puzzles, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, and traveling (especially to Hungary and Ireland).

An avid Brooklyn Dodgers, NY Giants, NY Rangers, and NY Yankees fan, Paul adored sports, although one would never know from his yelling and dismay if his favorite sports team was losing. He was passionate and a devoted fan. For over 45 years, he was a NY Giants season ticketholder and went to the games with his father and brother and then later with his two sons.

Paul had that magic of brilliance, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of humor that will be sorely missed. We love you, Paul.

Family and friends may pay their respects at Vander Plaat Funeral Home (257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481) on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 PM (vpfh.com).
A private family service will be held at Laurel Grove Memorial Park Cemetery in Totowa at 11:30 AM on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s name may be made to a charity of your choice. 

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