Obituary: Paul H. Wanderlich, 1955-2018 

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• Paul H. Wanderlich

Essex

It is with great sadness that the family of Paul H. Wanderlich, age 63, of Essex, Vt., announces his unexpected passing on Wednesday October 17, 2018. Paul was son of the late Casimier and Therese (Molek) Wonderlick and is survived by his four brothers, Frank, Carl, Steve and Mark, and sister Mary. He is also survived by his two loving sons, Matthew and Michael Wanderlich, as well as his six nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Born in Chicago, Ill., on March 31, 1955, Paul graduated from Quigley South High School in 1973 and graduated from Moraine Valley Community College with an associate’s degree in electronics in 1976. He moved to California, where he worked as an electronics technician and met his former wife, Nanse Nathan. Together they moved to Oregon and then to Vermont in 1985, where Matthew and Michael were born.

Paul loved living in Vermont, where he adored camping, nature and spending time with his sons. He loved playing games and competitions, whether it was horseshoes, cards, golf, volleyball, bowling or anything else. After an outing or event, Paul would always call to thank you and tell you what a great time he had. There were no strangers in Paul's world, only future friendships. He was always reaching out, willing to help others with a genuine smile on his face. He had an uncanny ability to approach total strangers and start a conversation, integrating his unique style of humor and making countless friends along the way. Paul was always positive, bringing smiles to everyone and joy to all. He was extremely thoughtful and never one to judge. Paul had the gift of including everyone, making everyone feel like family.

After Paul retired from Lowe’s in 2017, he was always on the move, enjoying life to its fullest. If he wasn’t on the golf course, he was traveling, dancing, camping, bowling, playing cards, and spending his time with family and friends. He was the life of every party and a vibrant, well-known member of the local dance and music community. Most of all, Paul was exceptionally proud of his two sons. His greatest pleasure was spending time with them.

Paul was the eternal optimist, approaching each day as if it had no limits. He was truly one of a kind, a loyal friend, a gentleman and an incredible father. He will be deeply missed.

There will be a celebration of Paul’s life on Sunday, October 28, 2018, held at the St. John’s Club in Burlington, Vt., from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Donations may be made in his honor to the American Heart Association, and online condolences may be made at gregorycremation.com.