Paul Adolf Papay

Raised in Montvale, NJ, Paul followed in the footsteps of his older brothers and attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. He began his career at STV/Seelye Stevenson, Value & Knecht in Manhattan, where he worked in a lead capacity on projects for the Long Island Rail Road and Hudson Yards as well as the restoration of Grand Central Terminal, crawling deep beneath the station’s tracks and climbing above its celestial ceiling.

In 1990, he and his brother Peter founded Papay Engineering & Construction, becoming a key consultant in the wireless communications field — among other projects, installing satellite antennas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, introducing cell service to the Lincoln Tunnel and, most recently, overhauling the bus radio system for the New York City Transit Authority.

Paul naturally gravitated toward anything with an equation or an engine, from his vintage MG's to heavy machinery. With his steel-trap mind, he acquired an encyclopedic knowledge of trivia — a fervent viewer of “Jeopardy,” he usually trounced the competition — and the ability to watch a movie once and then recite it word for word as if he were the actor onscreen.

Beyond his brilliance, he will be remembered for his unwavering tenets of kindness and fairness, always reminding you that “character is what you do when no one is watching,” and his unconditional devotion to his family and friends.

Paul is survived by his wife, Kathryn; his son, Spencer; his sister Lois Uhl; his brother Albert and his wife, Terry; and his brother Peter and his partner, Joy Goble. He is predeceased by his parents, Albert G. and Rita Papay, and his sister Joan Stalb.

Memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to NTM Info & Research (ntminfo.org), an organization dedicated to the study of nontuberculous mycobacteria.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ on Sunday, December 27th from 2-6PM with a Celebration of his life and faith at 5PM. Private cremation to follow.