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Paul Curtin
April 11, 1954 - December 4, 2020
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2021-03-04 22:49:07 View / Comment (0)
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2021-02-24 18:40:43 View / Comment (0)
Aaron Goldberg
Paul was the first person I met at PP Tennis Ctr when I first moved to Brooklyn 25 years ago. His smile, eagerness to chat and insatiable enthusiasm for tennis were infectious in the best sense. He always radiated warmth and positivity and he will be greatly missed by all...fortunately his example and spirit helped create the familial atmosphere that is PP Tennis Center which lives on daily, both in his fellow pros, in the junior programs and in all of us casual players as well.
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2021-01-22 16:13:37 View / Comment (0)
Kirsten Denker
My son took tennis lessons at the Park Slope Bubble, and Paul made the experience really special. I only knew him by phone and email, but he really went out of his way to make sure Ben got the right fit, in terms of the class he was placed in, and then one day when Ben and his dad were at the tennis center, Paul spent a lot of time talking with them about the best kind of racquet. It really mattered to him that Ben's experience at the center was as good as it could be, and I think that made a big difference to my son's enjoyment of tennis. He was a great guy and full of enthusiasm for his work. We're grateful to have come into contact with him.
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2021-01-03 19:50:15 View / Comment (0)Karyn Tasens
Most recent wonderful photo of our Paul Curtin & a beautiful bevy, New Year's Eve 2020.
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2021-01-03 17:39:55 View / Comment (0)
Nate Chura
Reading all of these beautiful memories and testimonials of the life of Paul Curtin, a.k.a. "Curtin," to distinguish between his lifelong tennis partner Paul Campbell, who was often around when you needed to call out his name, brings me great joy at an hour when I struggle to contemplate the loss of a man I was privileged to call a friend and mentor. Indeed, Curtin was all those things: a fabulous tennis player and coach...sensitive, patient, dedicated with an encyclopedic mind...but I think everyone here would agree, Paul was so much more. He had an extraordinary sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. His favorite tavern was "Ship of Fools" on the Upper East Side! LOL...He was also an immaculate house guest, who possessed a rare, modest charm. He could make sincere conversation with anyone who spoke English, and he would probably fancy Spanish, as well, for he truly loved and admired the Spanish approach to tennis above all others, I believe. But there was one other signature characteristic that comes to mind that has yet to be noted: time. To me, Paul Curtin viewed time like a sailor. That is to say, he had all the time in the world, therefore, what's the rush? Those who knew Paul understood this and never held time against him. But I do vividly recall a mutual friend once remarking in jest, "He will be late to his own funeral!" to which I wholeheartedly concurred, and we laughed genuinely hard and could almost feel Paul laughing with us. Looking back now, I wish he could have been a little bit later. RIP Curtin!
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2020-12-30 21:07:32 View / Comment (0)Karyn Tasens
Fond memories of one of many fab tennis trips: this photo of me between Paul Curtin and Paul Campbell at sunset cocktails and awards ceremony in the Bahamas, ?? years ago. We were young and in the pink!
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2020-12-26 01:23:51 View / Comment (0)
Irwin Flores Morales
I’m glad I got the meet Paul and work with him. Despite his physical conditions he was always ready and willing to help and mentor. He always gave great pointers for the lefties (honestly owe my serve to Paul), always guided you with so much patience and he was always a great person to talk to, never had a dull conversation with the man. Speaking of patience... I remember we locked him out in the balcony, Kenji had the keys and had to get him out, we were sure he’d be fuming at him. But he laughed it off with us, not a care in the world. And honestly this is one of my favorite memories with him. Just laughing and joking around how he’d have to stay the night if we never realized. He was a wonderful soul off, as well as, on the court. I’m happy I was able to pick his brain about the sport and life during practices and work. Summers won’t be the same without him, but we will keep Standing Up, Standing Up and Fighting for our dear friend. Rest Easy Paul. Never Forgotten. -Irwin FM.
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2020-12-25 20:17:21 View / Comment (0)
Nina Sporn
What a tragic and untimely loss. Paul was like a surfer dude in both appearance and attitude - chill, calm, and very engaging with everyone around him. He and Kenya were wonderful to the kids from the Knickerbocker Tennis Foundation program who came to play at the Tennis Center every winter. He connected with all the kids, and made everyone feel welcome and part of the "scene" there. He was also a wonderful colleague to the "other" Paul, as well as to the pros and staff. It's hard to imagine filling his shoes. I will miss him terribly.
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2020-12-24 14:41:27 View / Comment (1)
Jane Curtin
The Curtin sisters would like to thank each and every person who shared a memory or expressed condolences or contributed to the Junior Scholarship Fund set up in Paul's name. As our only brother, Paul both anchored and added "lightness" and perspective to our lives. We miss him deeply and painfully at this time. But the memories and tributes shared by all of you -- those whom we know and those we have never met -- bring him back momentarily in vivid ways and provide a measure of comfort. We thank you all sincerely for that!
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2020-12-20 17:38:20 View / Comment (0)
Amelia Costigan
A great teacher shares their passion and love of a subject and Paul shared both generously and enthusiastically with my family. He was my husband's first tennis teacher and Paul's love of the game was contagious. Whether it was how to hit a backhand or a tidbit about Federer -- his knowledge was encyclopedic. Paul then carefully placed my son in the "right" junior development class--not just by level but by temperament because he listened, he remembered, and he had a sensitivity to the turmoil of teen years. “Hmmm, that one has a lot of jostling male competitive energy. Maybe not this group,” In the end after careful analysis he always placed my son in the right class where he thrived. It seems putting together those classes was a thoughtful mix of listening and caring. I too enjoyed Paul as a teacher over the last 17 years with his eagle eye to make an adjustment here or there and reminding me to breath. Breath. WOOSH woosh little short breaths out. His classes always seemed to be the ones that ran just a little extra over time as he always had one extra thing to share or teach. I am saddened that someone who shared their time so generously with others had his own time cut short.
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2020-12-17 19:59:10 View / Comment (0)
Robbi Siegel
My two boys, Max and Ben, have taken junior development classes at the PPTC for close to 10 years. Paul always took so much care and effort to make sure they were in the right class with the right kids. He would often call or leave a message that lasted for many minutes explaining why he thought this or this class would work best for them. He obviously cared so much about these kids and was so thoughtful in planning the group lessons. I would also often see him roaming the courts during the lessons, taking everything into account, and would often stop, put his clipboard down, and walk over and help a child with a specific stroke. He did this with my son and I so appreciated his individual attention at the time. I'm sure he will be missed by so many of the pros that worked with him for years and I know he will be missed by my family.
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2020-12-16 19:38:07 View / Comment (0)
Sue Donoghue
I was fortunate to get to know Paul before I joined the Alliance, as each of my kids enjoyed many years of summer camp at the center. Paul was always so positive and encouraging, and remembered each kids interests and abilities in a unique and personal way. Years later he would remember their names and ask about them, and would always relay that my boys could have been great players if they weren't interested in squash and other lesser pursuits! His manner was always so genuine and warm, and you felt as though you were the only one in the center when you had his attention. More recently, when I'd send out All staff emails at the Alliance, Paul would often reply directly, sometimes days later, with a witty comment or interesting anecdote that made me smile or marvel at his knowledge and self deprecating manner. Paul will be sorely missed by all, but I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to know and work alongside him these many years.
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2020-12-16 13:58:33 View / Comment (0)
Jennifer Lehrman
Paul had such deep kindness, empathy and wisdom both on and off the tennis court. He had a knack for knowing what a person needed to hear and put it in just the right way. When he asked you how you were, you knew he really cared. He was a person who was easy to talk to and had such great insights. I will continue to think of Paul regularly because when I first started group lessons at PPTC, he told me the simple but powerful thing that has helped my game the most: breathe in while the ball is coming towards you and breathe out when you hit. Thank you Paul, I feel so lucky to have known you.
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2020-12-15 21:01:03 View / Comment (0)
Francis Thomas
I have worked with Paul Curtin for 17 years. In all those years, I have known him with so much enthusiasm. Lived with tennis, died with tennis. As I pass by his table and empty chair, I feel overwhelming sadness. I will miss his calls and text messages late in the night to give me my work schedules. Dedication for work to keep customers happy. He was caring to all, students and staff alike. He will be missed. To his family and friends, I and my family are thinking of you. Deep condolences.
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2020-12-15 18:13:11 View / Comment (0)
peter sills
The Prospect Park Tennis Center--where joys and challenges formed me since childhood--cannot fully feel like home without Paul. He improved by backhand grip, and in doing so built into my game a bit of himself, so that as long as I play tennis (and I'll be playing for a long long time) his teaching will live with me.
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2020-12-12 23:11:04 View / Comment (0)
eduardo Gil
Paul always put others ahead of himself. I believe teaching tennis was his way of helping people and in the process, he transcended the sport itself. He used tennis as a way of sending a human message of care, empathy and joy, and Paul made others feel acknowledged and seen. Over the many years I worked by his side, I saw first-hand what I believe was Paul's golden rule and it was a great lesson to me: always show others respect, care for those around you and spread love and joy when you can. He did that through tennis and I am honored to have been a part of his world; I will try my best to live by Paul's golden rule. RIP great mentor.
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2020-12-12 17:12:37 View / Comment (1)
Michael Peterson
In 2004 I was at another of my daughter's soccer practices on the Parade Grounds. I realized I was burning out on travel team commitments and needed to do something for myself. I looked up and saw the tennis bubble and immediately walked over and signed up for group lessons. That is where and when I met Paul. Quickly struck by what a warm, kind person he was. Always had a little smile on his face. And filled with great tennis knowledge. Sometimes I was frustrated by how verbal he was! I wanted to do, not listen but he started me on my path to a life long love of the game. I will always hear his voice: "split step Michael, split step!".
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2020-12-12 02:28:02 View / Comment (0)
Stanley Chang
Greatly saddened by this news! About 25 years ago, after seeing me play tennis, Paul took me under his wing for a few lessons. Thanks to him I am still playing and no longer an embarrassment on the court. He was a kind and warm human being! Our deepest condolences to Jane, Gail, Joy and Mary.
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2020-12-11 15:00:15 View / Comment (0)
Jessica Mazo
I can not express my condolences enough. Paul was an incredible person. I remember meeting him as Zac's girlfriend 8 years ago, and he immediately made me feel warm and welcome at the tennis center even though (at the time) I could barely hit the ball. I can still hear his voice saying, "Hi Jess!' as he walked over to give me a hug in his sandals and shorts (no matter what the weather was). As Zac said, Paul was always part of the Campbell family, and his consistent lateness to dinner will be missed, along with all the other wonderful attributes. We miss you, Paul.
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2020-12-11 06:55:58 View / Comment (0)
Zachary Campbell
More than any single memory of Paul, I remember PC as a fixture in the Campbell family. Looking back I feel like PC was there for most of the major events in my life - he was the first person to give me a gift before I headed off for college, and one of the last to leave the party at my wedding. He knew me since I was the rugrat son of his friend and fellow coach in the East River Tennis Center days. I cannot remember not knowing Paul. It is devastating that he is gone. Paul was unique, genuine, and consistent. He was almost always late, and always told jokes that would make you groan; but those of us who loved him didn’t care because of the kindness, generosity and sincerity with which he treated others. Always. It was his uniquely calm, self assured goodness that he wore on the sleeve of (often also unique) shirt that I’ll always remember. Paul, I miss ya man.
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2020-12-10 23:20:13 View / Comment (0)
Alex Mabilon
I first met Paul trying to get my son into tennis lessons and, as per my terrible habit, was late to the sign-up. Paul did all he could to accommodate us and fit us into a group of similar skilled players. My son had him as a teacher for one of the sessions and it transformed the way he handled the ball. Paul was just so nice. So encouraging and fun in his approach. His passing is a great loss to us all as tennis enthusiasts and Prospect Park Tennis Center fans. RIP, you will be missed.
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2020-12-10 20:55:47 View / Comment (0)
Jonathan Walters
Paul was one of the most unique and genuine souls that I have ever encountered. I spent most of my childhood and young adult life with Paul as either my tennis instructor, boss, or friend. From his unparalleled knowledge of music history to tennis groundstrokes and overheads, Paul was always a joy to interact with and his enthusiasm for life and tennis was always infectious. Another amazing thing about Paul was that he would always inquire about my family and their health with an authenticity and genuineness that I have seldom seen in my life. Speaking of family, he always treated his work colleagues, staff, and tennis pupils like family, earning him the respect and love of everyone who encountered him. I am going to miss Paul greatly, but I take solace in the fact that his impact and legacy in Brooklyn will last forever throughout the hallowed grounds of the Prospect Park Tennis Center and with the countless lives that he improved during his time at the PPTC.
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2020-12-10 18:39:36 View / Comment (0)
Joan Akpan
Kind and patient are the two words that best describe Paul. I would see him spending long hours at the tennis center, and I am sure it was to make sure every child was well taken care of. Paul was always ready to share a tennis story or two and I looked forward to seeing him at the center every Tuesday evening after my seasonal court was done. He even stepped in to play when we needed a last minute sub because he always wanted to help and was so generous with his time. His passing feels surreal because just the other day, he was in his office and I waved to say hello. We only exchanged a few words with our masks on, but now I wish we had spent more time together to catch up. My family and all of the children from the Knickerbocker Tennis Foundation will miss him.
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2020-12-10 17:00:09 View / Comment (0)
Robert Greenblatt
I was one among hundreds who had the pleasure 20+ years ago of stepping a few feet behind the service box and warming up with “groundies” (a Curtin word) as my first lesson began. I LOVED being out there with Paul no matter how great or shitty I was hitting that day. Simply said : If he would have told me to stand on my head and serve I would have because that was the confidence and encouragement he gave you. As repetitious as it must have been day in and day out for him, “he emptied the tank” at least with me in terms of his efforts to make me better - as a player and as a human being. I met him at age 40 and not only did he have to break me of my 30 year old continental grip but of my need more times than I want to admit to “get a grip” on my life off the court. I hope we all can one day in this new norm properly celebrate Paul - he was a very special guy who will be so sorely missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of his company. Robert Greenblatt
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2020-12-10 16:48:30 View / Comment (0)
William Agostinho
Paul has inspired a lifetime love of tennis for my two sons. They got their start on Paul’s evaluation court ten years ago. Through the years at Prospect Park Tennis Center my boys remember that Paul would usually pause on his way past their court to offer a great piece of advice or some technical feedback, always spot on and always positive and constructive. As they grew older, they would sometimes be the last ones at the courts late at night and Paul would still be there in his office. He was never too busy for a conversation about tennis before heading home. He was a patient, generous, and thoughtful teacher. Paul will be deeply missed by our family, and by the many people and families whose lives were enriched by his sharing of his passion for tennis.
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2020-12-10 16:04:33 View / Comment (0)
Natalia Olenina
No matter what was going on with our lives, the tennis center was always my safe place, a place of happiness. It could not be the same place without Paul. Paul remembered every single kid in the program. He taught us so many priceless tips for better serve or forehand. I always enjoyed my conversations with Paul. He was smart funny, knowledgable, and very caring person. He will be deeply missed by whole our family.
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2020-12-10 15:50:56 View / Comment (0)
Donna Travers
As a longtime player at PPT, I knew Paul for many years. My daughter Samantha worked for Paul teaching in his summer youth program. Years later he would always ask me how she was doing. Whenever I spoke with Paul I could feel his genuine concern, warmth and kindness. I will miss him.
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2020-12-10 06:10:29 View / Comment (0)
Chris Mischler
An email I sent to friends before I knew this board existed... So sad. Paul really looked out for and enjoyed having Lucy and Zoë at the tennis center. He was the guy who took the time to sit down with me for an hour in his office (with you on the phone) while we figured out how to fit L & Z together into a class that met everyone’s scheduling needs. Or another time when he called me after 10pm to let me know class slots opened up if the girls were interested. I told him once how much I appreciate everything he was doing to help out and he told me he’d seen lots of kids go through the center and he knows it will be great for the girls. He added that he’d been working there “forever” and knew the girls would be great for the center too. Such a good, thoughtful man. Damn. **Liisa and Aki, I included y’all on this thread because I know how much both of you love everything about the game. This man, Paul Curtain, loved the game so much that he spent his life sharing that love with any and everyone.
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2020-12-10 05:17:05 View / Comment (0)
Julie & Reuben Jorsling
Paul has been a true hero in our household and brought the joy of summer to our family. All the parents in Brooklyn could go to work everyday knowing their kids were safe and having fun at the tennis center each summer. Paul went to great lengths to put the groups together in the best way possible making sure everyone had a good experience while introducing the kids to amazing tennis pros and life long friends. The thousands of kids who have been introduced to tennis at the Prospect Park Tennis center all knew Paul, and the amazing thing is, Paul knew each of them! Our hearts are broken and we send our love to family, friends, colleagues, and students who will all miss him.
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2020-12-10 02:57:44 View / Comment (0)
Thomas Backner
There is so many positive adjectives to describe Paul, but for me, the word “considerate” jumps out. He was considerate of a great many things, but mostly he was considerate of other people. It’s not a difficult thing to be, but it seems to be in shorter and shorter supply these days. It simply came naturally to Paul, and I think it is what I will miss most about him.
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2020-12-09 21:33:39 View / Comment (0)
Tom Fredrickson
I played on Paul’s evening adult group lesson court once a week for several years and was always happy to be assigned to his court. Even though Paul was teaching tennis and doing other related work for many hours a day, he never exhibited any fatigue or ennui. His love of the game and his affection for people shone through. He never let a great shot pass by without praise. He also was diligent about improving flaws in my game even during busy group sessions. For example, he would gently grasp my hand or wrist to demonstrate subtle but important tweaks while others waited patiently, knowing they would get their turn with a great teacher. When Paul criticized some failure of technique during a rally, he did it in a funny way. He might be the only coach who referred to raising your head prematurely on groundstrokes as “chin music,” as in, “I’m seeing a lot of chin music out there!” Paul drew on his encyclopedic knowledge of tennis and other sports to illustrate his teaching points or just to entertain his students. He taught breathing techniques that could have come from yoga or meditation or perhaps just his own vast experience as a player. Paul always tried to squeeze a few extra minutes of play for his group instead of beating a path to the door at the close of nighttime sessions. He showed through deed and word how to compete and work to improve while never forgetting to have fun. Those were great lessons on many levels.
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2020-12-09 20:00:49 View / Comment (0)
Patricia Lowry
Paul was a huge supporter of all the kids who have been sponsored by the Knickerbocker Tennis Foundation over the past decade at the PPTC- probably about 30 or so kids. He took great care to make sure that they all were matched with the proper teacher and at the right level for their abilities. Because of Paul, our kids have not only learned how to hit a backhand, but they have become fitter - both physically and emotionally.
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2020-12-09 19:48:53 View / Comment (0)
Deborah Fantera
For years I sat in the Center waiting for my son at his Junior Development class, and watched Paul orchestrate students, parents and pros. I watched as my son stubbornly told him the racquet needed to be blue and that fit wasn't important. Paul talked him out of that. He will be missed.
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2020-12-09 19:03:03 View / Comment (0)
Nina Hellman
Paul Curtin was my intro to the tennis center, which has become such a central part of my life. When we moved to Brooklyn I was pregnant with my son, Lester, and after he was born, as soon as my doctor gave me the ok, I signed up for lessons with Paul Curtin. The many hours I spent on the court with him were wonderful. Getting to play with him during art league was always a treat. He felt like an old friend. He was so good to Lester too. Always asking about him, (they shared a birthday) and making sure he got into the right group. I told Lester the sad news and Lester said, “He was the lefty. He was nice.” Yes he was.
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2020-12-09 18:57:42 View / Comment (0)
Leslie Koren
Paul was always so thoughtful about which class to put our daughter in and how she might perform with the other students. As a result, he would spend an hour on the phone with me looking at availability, finding her the perfect spot and making sure everything was in order. And he had to do that with so many other parents too! But he was calm and patient—he cared so much about the kids and their experience. He was so kind and good-natured. Just so sad to hear about his loss.
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2020-12-09 18:56:22 View / Comment (0)
Nigel Smith
Paul taught me how to hit a backhand - a proper backhand that became my favorite shot. He had an ability to build and develop a skill while building confidence and enthusiasm as well. Most of our lessons or hitting sessions involved a detailed discussion of tennis history and great players of the 70’s and 80’s as well as equipment and attire - Paul made a real connection with me and had me on court every week for many years. He was also a phenomenal junior development coach and enthusiast that found a way to engage with my children and the children in the programs. The salt of the earth and a wonderful guy. My deepest sympathy to his family and many many friends in the tennis community.
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2020-12-09 19:19:15 View / Comment (0)
Julion Soto
My daughter's most favorite day at the Prospect Park Tennis Center was the day, early on, that Paul, after seeing my daughter play for just one week, said that he could watch her hitting backhands all day long...then he said, "Now, about your forehand." LOL!!!! Can't believe this...too young to leave us...too young... Paul, you never got a chance to see this video of my daughter with Simona Halep, but you had a hand in this in a fundamental way: https://vimeo.com/384515952 RIP you amazing person
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2020-12-09 18:42:30 View / Comment (0)
Kenji Michaud
My first memory of Paul was when my best friend introduced me to tennis at the Prospect Park Tennis Center in 2011. Paul gave me an evaluation which I thought was 10 min long, ended up being an 1.5hr. Basically a private lesson, in which he taught me all the fundamentals including throwbacks to the legends of tennis, lectures on playing styles and asking me questions about who I was. He was extremely attentive to detail. I was able to enroll into the Junior Development Program in which he was the director of, and enjoyed the class I was in with the kids, and always saw him walking around on the courts checking in on everyone and helping them out. I was fortunate to work with Paul starting in 2016 part time in the Junior Development Program and really got to witness the backbone of an extremely successful, wonderful program that is designed for kids of all levels. He showed me the ropes of scheduling kids in their specific classes, dealing with pro scheduling, and making notes. 2017 was when I went full time and worked with Paul 6 days a week and learned so much from him and continued to the very end to learn so much. He was such a caring, loving man who always enjoyed having a hit with friends when he wasn't consumed by the junior program and I am extremely thankful I got to work with him for 9 years (includes working with him in the Summer Youth Program). He will be missed by all of us here at the center. He is the man and legend. So many memories with him, but don't want to re-write "war and peace" (something we both laughed about). Miss you Paul!
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2020-12-09 18:28:40 View / Comment (0)
Sam Backner
I remember so many fond memories of Paul over the many many years I knew him. I recall when he would cheer me on as I played steal the bacon with the campers I taught, and when he would critique (in the best of ways) my tennis game. He was always so funny with his morning camp messages, and cared for all of the counselors, staff, and campers so much. He was a wonderful man, and so kind and good-hearted. He was one of the rare gems in life. He will be so missed by all. I knew Paul since I was about 5, and now am 21, and had the pleasure to have been able to see him even a few days before he passed, not knowing of course that would be it, for I would have said how much I appreciated his impact on my life to him then. He was loved, and will never be forgotten. I miss you Paul!
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2020-12-09 18:00:56 View / Comment (0)
LORENZO DALFONSO
Dear Paul, this is unexpected and really sad. After running for a life, when I eventually was so lucky to have the time and money to get back to play, I had that incredible present to have you as a teacher for a couple of years for adult classes and get back to my teen years, even only for a couple of decent shots per night. The passion for this sport not always goes together with intensity, competence and intelligence. Last year my child started the program and he also got quickly the sense of the priviledge to share a court with you. Yes, this was, has been a priviledge. You let me feel home at PPTC, eager to run and hit again. There is no bigger thing for a newcomer. Whatever is out there, if anything, you enjoy it. Thanks
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2020-12-09 17:58:31 View / Comment (0)
Katy Crile
What a wonderful person who I only knew in our brief brushes during the hectic rush of getting children to their tennis clinics on Saturday mornings but those brushes left me with a deep impression of the kindness, humor, and equanimity of who he was. Thank you for the kind jokes and reassurances that my children crying over being prodded away from cartoons and to the tennis center were not the worst. My thoughts are with his friends, family, and community at the Tennis Center who knew him infinitely better than I.
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2020-12-09 17:52:19 View / Comment (0)
Josh Rabinowitz
I called Paul the “Guru” as his insights in Tennis always seemed very deep to me. His POVs on life were also quite deep, and it was a pleasure to catch some time with him and chat away on so many topics - he had some excellent perspectives, and had a great way about him when articulating them. A few years back I was in London, watching a TV doc on McEnroe, jet-lagged as hell, and in the audience of an event in the doc, where McEnroe was speaking, was Paul and his girlfriend Mary. It was during Wimbledon and it was so cool to see Paul’s smiling face on the “Tele” - I yelled out in excitement. RIP Guru!
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2020-12-09 17:52:08 View / Comment (0)
Robert Richardson
The thing I remember most in starting my daughter Stella in tennis at Prospect Park was being introduced to Paul and having him watch her hit with an instructor. After just a few strokes, he had clearly formulated a full development plan and was headed back to his office to his "beautiful mind" scheduling board / spreadsheet. I wondered (and worried, frankly) how all this was supposed to work out with her. He spent several minutes thinking aloud speaking to the plusses and minuses of several different groups -- taking into consideration our quirky schedule -- and then dropped the pin, after some deliberation, on what turned out to be just the right group, with just the right instructor to instill in Stella what has become her young life's greatest single passion. There was never any need to worry. Paul's experience, vision, and insight really let him "see" not just strokes, but player inside ready to emerge. Thank you, Paul, for seeing Stella.
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2020-12-09 17:44:08 View / Comment (0)
Rick Louis
I always looked forward to our regular hitting sessions. When ever I was out for a while , I could count on paul for a tune up where he would stand in a position and drag me around the court until I had enough running . Was always pleasant and supportive in my own tragedy.. You are free to hit and move freely now in that next dimension with no restriction . Thank you for the time spent here. You are will be remembered and remain alive in all of us that have been around you. Thank you, Power to the lefties and the greeting still goes "Paullllllieeeeee, have you eaten yet before we hit"
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2020-12-09 17:40:34 View / Comment (0)
Stuart Miller
Paul will be missed. Back when my kids were young and taking lessons, he was always helpful in scheduling-- and with a calm voice and a smile-- despite the non-stop chaos that all of us parents imposed on him. And in the years since, I've always looked forward to running into him and talking about tennis, be it my game, a story I was writing, the history of the sport or a recent major match.
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David Keltz
David Keltz
I first met Paul in the summer of 2004 during the Prospect Park Tennis Camp. Over the course of the next 16 years, I got to know Paul very well. What stands out to me is how generous he was with his time. He always made time to catch up with me, sometimes maybe even too much time. After moving out of NYC in 2019, I would often stop by his office to say hello whenever I was playing at the tennis center. Five minute conversations would often turn into an hour, but it never mattered to me, because Paul was a good conversationalist, and we never ran out of things to talk about. Whether it was giving me serving advice, which I will probably always need, penciling me in for a quick impromptu hitting session, or just shooting the breeze, Paul was a pleasure to be around. I know how much he loved the junior program. He has had such a positive impact on me and thousands of juniors who have played at the tennis center over the years. He was genuine, warm, nice, always upbeat, positive and fun to be around. I know I will miss him deeply. - David
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