Paul Curtin

A devastatingly sad holiday season for most, but my heart is shredded for the Curtin sisters' loss, shared by so many who loved Paul so very miuch. Knowing his dedication to the Prospect Park jr. program helps us contribute in his name and memory, but no dollar amount can match what Dr Curtin -- I called hm my tennis doctor, as my game always needed his tender tending and mending -- meant in my life since we met at Midtown, way before the East River Club even broke ground, nor measure how I'll miss his singing birthday messages, his savvy tidbits of info on a plethora of diverse topics, his camaraderie on court during 9 pm tennis lessons, at dinners (never before 9 either!), on vacations, etc. 'Twas indeed a privilege to have been one of his many longtime admirers and now saddened friends.

Dear Jane, Gail and Joy, We are so saddened by this profound loss. Paul was a gentleman on and off the courts. He will be remembered for his warm smile and witty humor. We have nothing but fond memories of Paul playing tennis, listening to jazz and "shooting the breeze." He will be missed by many and thought of often. With sympathy and love, The Bennetts: Vicki, Kari, Bruce and Sue

Really shocked and sad to have read in the NYT that our Paul Curtin had passed away unexpectantly. Wonderful, person who travelled with a group of us on and off over the past 30 plus years to several destinations. Always there, big smile and gave his all to tennis. Also thinking of Paul Campbell and Family, at this time, due to losing such a great friend and Partner in Tennis. God be with him and it was a real pleasure to have known you Paul.

As a child, I would spend at least 5 days a week at the tennis center playing with friends, and there were rare moments when I wouldn't be greeted by Paul with a big smile. He gave me advice when I started playing tournaments, would always check up on me throughout High School, and always asked about how I was doing in college when I would play during breaks. He called me out on my mistakes and helped me fix them; he genuinely cared about the students that he had and the relationships that he built with them. It's rare to find that in coach. He put his heart and soul into the PPTC, and it won't be forgotten by those he taught and shaped. I'm sure I am not alone in saying that Paul will be missed dearly.

Paul, I will miss you. You helped me develop not only as a tennis player but as a person – I'm grateful for your dedication to everyone in our Brooklyn tennis community and will always remember what you taught me on and off the court.

Paul was one of a kind. His generosity of spirit was unparalleled. In reading through some of the posts I realize that we all thought we were Paul's best friend. I so looked forward to my chats with him when I visited the tennis center. He was such an amazing listener, and always asked about my kids long after they finished with the junior program. I’ll never forget Paul’s excitement when Johnny Mac came in a major snowstorm and stayed until every child in the program had hit a ball with JM in spite of the snow piling up. Or the times he would pull a dollar bill out of his wallet offering it to my kids if they could hit the ball in the service box. I think he even helped our daughter get into college after talking about tennis with a stranger on a plane – who turned out to be an alumni and boardmember. Paul just made everything fun with his witty grin, his intelligence, and passion for the game – and life. We will never forget you Paul as you live on in our strokes and our love for the game. Your tennis wisdom also parlayed into everyday wisdom. If we can listen just a fraction as well as you did, we will be achieving something. Our visits to the tennis center will never be the same, but if we all keep a little of you inside our hearts, I think we will be okay. Sincerest condolonces to Paul’s sisters and girlfriend Mary.

Paul was a genuine & wonderful person who added so much light to the world. He will be greatly missed.

I was sad finding out that Paul had passed away. Aside from his most obvious characteristics: being genuinely kind, caring, compassionate, and passionate about giving back to tennis through his excellent teaching. I worked along side Paul teaching in the Junior Development Program at the East River Tennis Club for roughly 20 years and I was impressed by his work ethic both on and off the court. What seemed like a daily routine, Paul would go around the courts with a ball hopper and pick up any loose balls even when no one was watching, meaning he didn’t do it for credit, he wasn’t going to ask for a raise in his salary for extra work done, he simply did it because he cared. On top of that, he’d also sift through the wagons of balls periodically and discard all the dead balls. I mean c’mon, after a long day of on court teaching who in their right mind does stuff like that? Paul, that’s who. Anyway may you RIP Paul, hopefully you can now take it easy, put your feet up, listen to your beloved music and relax. I’ll miss you.