Although I loved science, I had difficulty understanding chemistry formulas.  However, nearly 60 years later, I still consider Mr Minacci to be the teacher that I will always consider my favorite….highschool or college. How blessed we were to be in his class or in his life.   Lynnene ‘Lynne’  Edwards Newberry. Boca Raton FL    WPCS 1968

In the lab, in the classroom, on the field, on the mat he did not push. He encouraged. He lead. 
Mr. Minacci was one of the foundation blocks from whom I learned the methods of how to recognize problems, and how to fix them, even if I was the problem.
class of '63.

Every time I look back at my years in school in Whitney Point, I think of Paul Minacci.  He was a wonderful man, a wonderful teacher, and a friend to all of us.  There are so few like him.  He may have passed on, but he is not forgotten.

My wife and I both had the good fortune to have Mr. Minacci as a science teacher and life coach.  So many wonderful moments come to mind...he was a very special person who made everyone feel "special".   Cheryl Wade Hanzlik 73  Eddy Hanzlik 70

As parents, we were so appreciative of the time Paul took to get to know us.  Deepest Sympathy to the Minacci Family for sharing an excellent teacher, coach and mentor with my children, Rick, Sharmon, and Doug at WPCS in the 70's. May fond Memories give you Peace.

Jean Hill, Castle Creek, New York

Paul Minacci....I first remembered him and Mary as a young couple that lived over Dr T's and adopted a young son...then  a loving teacher, not to me, but to my brothers........my brothers all had him as a coach and mentor.  My youngest brother Chris went to Springfield and stayed to graduate because Paul cared enought to call and counsel him when he was homesick, go to visit and "insist" on him staying.  How lucky was I to come back to school and work there and be a co senior advisor with him???  How lucky was I to watch first hand how many kids he helped in so many ways without them even knowing?  How lucky was I to have Lisa, Steven and Eric in the classes I went to Disney with???  How did I get to experience this teacher even after my school days were over?  He taught me so many lessons as he mentored me to be a "class advisor".  His love for everyone, but especially the disadvantaged ,was pure and good and I found myself thinking that this man came from such simple beginnings and he left marks on so many and never expected anything back.  I have been so blessed to know this man, his wife, Mary and his wonderful children and even when visiting him at the nursing home, his eyes sparkled, his smile was still warm and his love for his family, his friends and his God was ever present....God bless you Paul Minacci, you touched more lives than you can ever know and your family is a living legacy to the kind of human being you were.  RIP dear friend.  Donna and Joe Silvanic

Sending my condolences to Mr. Minacci's family. I'll always remember him as an energetic no-nonsense excellent teacher who really cared about his students. I can still see his smile and hear his voice after all these years. May he rest in peace.

I was fortunate to have Mr. Minacci for my chemistry teacher (at the old school on Route 11) and then for my physics teacher (at the then "new" high school on Keibel Road).  He  excelled at teaching and was highly respected.  He could be deadly serious but balanced that with a great sense of humor.  

His greatest asset was his ability to communicate with his students.  Many of us privately referred to him as "Uncle Paul" but that term was used only with respect.  

I have thought about him often since graduating in 1968.  He is someone I will always remember.  

He was the best teacher I ever had.

Mary and Family:

My sincere condolences on the loss of Paul. An outstanding teacher, coach, and friend of the family.  His legacy will live on by all of the students' lives he touched at WPHS.  May you all find peace in the wonderful memories you shared.

Mr. Minacci made learning fun!  I enjoyed his great sense of humor.  Anyone could easily see how much he cared about students. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was a truly great man!  God bless him and his family.

We are thinking of your family at this very difficult time. I can clearly see your Dad at the fence watching Eric play football. He was a great person.
        The Springfield Football Family

What a testimony Mr, Minacci's life for his family, friends and students whose lives he touched. A life of serving kids in a rural community in the farm land. He made this world a much better place. He was my physics teacher and Keibel Road neighbor. Class of 1976.

I was very sad to hear this news. He was a great man who will be missed dearly. He actually made going to school fun for us. My love and prayers are with his family.

Mr. Minacci, you were a great man who really cared.  Thank You for keeping me out of trouble and all of the talks in your office.  You were truly one of a kind and will be missed.

Mary,

I am saddened to hear about Paul's death.  He and I first met when we began teaching at Whitney Center High School in 1956.  We found ourselves as housemates when both of us rented rooms from the Harris family on Collins Street.  We became close friends and Paul was my Best Man at my wedding.  You have my serious condolence, and my prayers go out to you and your family.

Dear Mary, Lisa, John, Peter, and Anna, 
 Jim and I are sorry to hear of Paul's death.  May he rest in peace.  Our prayers are with you.

Mary, I have been reading these wonderful entries and pray that they give you all some comfort knowing how much everyone thought of Paul..   I myself will remember him as the always friendly guy who would ask "how are you" and really care what your answer was.  May God comfort and strengthen you.

Dear Jim, Paula, Dillon & The Minacci Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and thinking about you during this sad time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  May you find comfort in all of the sweet memories you share.  
Warmly, Alexis & Michael Birnbaum & Family, and your dear friends at YCCA.

Jim, Paula & Dillon- We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.

One of Whitney Point's finest.  It was a pleasure to know Paul, Mary and the children.  My sympathy on your loss.  I enjoyed seeing Paul as I would walk through the science wing to a class.  Bill and Dotty Davies  Vero Beach, FL

A caring and wonderful man and teacher. Mr Minacci you were the best!

 A highlight of my Senior Class Trip (WP Class of 88) was being your roommate. The whole onion scene had me laughing and still does to this day. I used the one on one talks, we had in your office, as a way to get out of class. However, I cherish them more today, to the fact, I realize you were actually teaching me life lessons.  RIP Mr.Minacci

My wife and I want to give our thoughts and prayers to the family.  Mr. Minacci was a good man!  I/we all will miss him very much, and I'll never forget my time with him in high school.  He was a very special person!

I will never forget our senior trip to Disney world...Mr.M had spilled something on his shirt when we had stopped for lunch and someone went and got a babies bib from a high chair,he wore it through the rest of the meal. My most memorable teacher....Deb (Maus) Clink WP class of 80

Mr. Minacci - Thank you for being there for each one of us. 
Having heard the stories from my older sister & brother, I was so glad to be able to share the experience when I reached the high school. You were the ONLY person who could have taught me Physics so that it made sense. 
And thanks for warning us about those snotty scrambled eggs in the south.

So many accolades posted here stand as testament to the man.  

To your family : our deepest sympathies on your profound loss.

To a life well lived ~ Godspeed, sir.
The Skapiks - Paula Jo (1974), Joe (1975) & Bridget (1981)

Lisa and family,
Your dad was such a loved man, and we are all going to miss his very much!  His kind and giving ways live on through all of you...his family!

So sad to hear...Mr.Minacci was the teacher I tell my students on the bus about. Warm wonderful memories of a man who always had a smile and a kind word. Our senior class was threatening to boycott the senior trip if he didn't go, because we all loved him and it wouldn't have been the same without him. He had the most wonderful sense of humor and such a good sport. RIP Mr.M....There will never be another.

RIP Mr. Minacci, I will never forget you on my senior trip WP clas of 91.

Remembering Paul, a special man. 
Hurst Mitten science and guidance at WP and then GCounselor at Union Endicott HS.
Hurst

Coach Minacci, you made the world a better place.  Your interest in students, your support, your counsel,and your sense of humor will always be remembered and appreciated.
David Chichester, Cerritos, California 
WPCS 1957

Rest in Peace, Mr Minacci, you touched so many of us.  Penny (Eldred) Robertson, Fort Campbell, KY

Lisa and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your dad.  He was a special person who shared his gifts with so many others.  Our prayers are with all of you.

GREAT TEACHER....GREAT COACH ....GREAT PERSON ...

Two generations of this family were blessed to be taught by and know Paul Minacci.  My husband Rick and I were in the Class of '66 and Paul got me through Regents Chemistry and Physics through sheer willpower (his).Our daughter Teri and son Glenn(Class of 1991 and 1992) found a wonderful friend and anchor in Paul and we were thrilled they got to know him.  Saying Thank You is not enough - God bless you, from
Noreen and Rick Wilcox, Woodleaf, NC

RIP Mr Minacci.  I will always remember you from WP class of 73.

To the Minacci family,

He made a difference in the lives of many.  I for one appreciate all he did for my brother Chuck in a difficult time.  God bless you and your family.  Our sincere sympathy.

Feb. 2nd. 2012

Mr. Minacci, Was one of the greatest teachers of our time. He truly helped me to be all that I am. My regards to the Family.

Mrs Minacci, Jim, Lisa, Steve, Eric and all the Minacci family.

I was so saddened to read of the loss of Mr Minacci. Reading all of these tributes from his former students, athletes of his teams and co-workers brings both smiles and tears to me, and a side I never saw of him, but of course knew of. 

I of course never had Mr. Minacci as a teacher or coach, but I did have him as a neighbor for more of my youth than any of his students did as a teacher or coach, and I have many fond memories of those years (and many more memorable times sitiing next to him and Coach Halloran at the Whaler hockey games). It was more than interesting being a football player at CF and talking to him at the backyard fence many evenings during the season. We always had a lot of playful joking around about it, being "enemies" of the gridiron. Reading of the "Bee Research Assistant" also brought back memories of the many hours of us neighborhood kids catching bees for him in the Kattelville fields over the years. I never really did know what it was all for, but now I do in a way. Rest peacefully Mr Minacci.

Thank You Grandpa for showing me the ins and outs of baseball, for taking me to hockey games in Binghamton to sit boardside every game, for sending $5 dollars when I did well in school.  These last years were hard to bear but I am glad I was still able to see your face. I will miss you and so will my father. I love you and so does my father. You will always be with me.  Thank You.


My deepest sympanthy to the family of a man that was more than a coach and a teacher.He taught more than just school he also taught values that are with me to this day.He will be greatly missed and thought of for as long as I can talk about being a past football player at WPCS and proud to say it.

Mary, the years rolled away as I saw this in the paper today. May you be comforted by all the wonderful words of Paul's students.

He made science interesting and was a true inspiration.  Where do the amps live? he asked when discussing electricity.  In tent city-where else. A gifted teacher whose class I didn't even want to cut.  It is heaven's gain.

To the Minacci family.. Paul was a great teacher and friend. He will always be remembered as just that..The memories of him we will cherish forever.  Class of 60 and 62 - WPCS.  Our children I am sure have the same great memories of him at Whitney Point.

My condolences to Steve and the Minacci family. May all the wonderful memories you hold as well as those shared here comfort you in your time of loss. Reading through his former students' comments brought back fond memories of Mr. Manacci. He was truly one of the good guys and will always be included in my personal memories of my years at WPCS and of course the 1983 Class trip to DC and Florida.

Saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Paul Minacci. He was a great human being and someone we called a friend. Beverly has spoken many times that the time she worked with him was a great pleasure for her. Rest in peace dear friend.        Tom and Bev Farr

I have often thought of Mr Minacci. I have been out of school 36 years and can still remember him like it was yesterday. He was an amazing teacher and made going to class fun. Most of all he had a way of making every student feel worthy. He had a way about him that made even the most "difficult" students feel good about themselves. I will always remember his kindness and his smile. Anyone who has ever taught could really learn a lesson from this man. My deepest sympathies to his family,you were fortunate to have him in your life.
Roxanne (Waterman) Eggleston

Coach Paul was a fine man. He was always fair and caring.  Judge Richard Peet class of 61

"Coach" Minacci was much more than a coach.  When my husband passed away in 1972 my son Chuck was on the Whitney Point football team. He went to his two coaches Minacci and Halloran for comfort and advice on how he was going to continue going to school and still carry on our dairy farm.  Chuck named his first son Paul and his second son John.  Thanks coach for helping my son and family through this time.  Our deepest sympathy is extended to your family.  Heaven is a much better place now.  God bless you and your family.

To the Minacci family, I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Minacci's passing. He was a great
man, and it was so evident that he LOVED what he did, He loved the students and he loved to teach, he was a rare gem. I am praying for all of your family, he will be greatly missed! Jean Forshee Tillotson class of 1978

Lisa and Family,

I am very sorry to hear about your dad.  I know what a difficult time it must be for your all. You will be in my thoughts.

The obit picture of Mr M is how I still see him, walking the halls of WP Sr High in white shirt and tie, smiling! Great leader, great spirit. Minacci Family, thanks for sharing him with us.

One of my most respected teachers, a true mentor, and a wonderfull person.  He did indeed start the wrestling program at WPCS, because Scott Oakley, Chris Metz and I were with him, and he didn't get paid either.  He did it for the love of the sport.  God bless you Mr Minacci, for all you've done.

My condolences as well to Mrs. Minacci and family.  I was a member of the WPCS Class of 73.  Mr. Minacci was our physics teacher.  A terrific teacher who was our de facto guidance counsellor. (I also still pronounce "momentum" in my head as "moventum" -- his students will know why.)  Last year, when I had the opportunity to speak at my daughter's HS graduation ceremony, the only person I quoted by name was "my high school physics teacher, a wise and wonderful man named Paul Minacci".  Thirty eight years after I graduated, and he was still having an impact on me.   Thanks for everything, Mr. Minacci.

"When ever you looked down the north end of the hall, there was Mrs. Greene and Mr. Minacci  waiting with a smile for you to go to class. It was always appreciated.  God bless you Mr. Minacci!  Class of "67

RIP Mr. Minacci :o)  You were one of the best things that happened to WPCS district.  Your family should be proud.

to all of the Minacci family:  I will always remember your father for his caring attitude for all students. He would tell me something w/such a serious expression, then pause & break into a huge smile.. I was so glad that school (CF) in his backyard never pulled him away from WP.. Paul, you have touched so many lives here in the Point. You will never be forgotten.

To Mary and Family - My father lived out the last year of his life enjoying the benefit of Paul's companionship while at Good Shepard Village.  While my family and I only knew Paul for a relatively short period of time, he was always a such a bright, kind and engaging gentleman.  My family and I will be eternally grateful for all of the patience and thoughtfulness Paul extended towards my Dad.  Our lives were richer having known him.

What fond memories we have of Mr Minacci.  He was a great teacher and mentor.  He surely made a difference in so many of our lives and we were blessed to know him.   Kay & Tom Stocum, Raleigh NC

Mr. Minacci was my teacher and my friend, a rare combination. He was always willing to help with a school related issue or a personal problem. You just felt at ease around him, he accepted you as you are. His sense of humor and sharp wit kept you interested in the topic at hand. His comittment to his profession, work ethic and ability to convey a strong belief in right and wrong have and will continue to guide me throughout my life. Many years after graduation I ran into him and I said "Hi, Mr Minacci" he responded with his typical, "Well Hello Mr. McDonald" as we talked he joked and told me I was old enough now to call him "Paul" I respectfully declined, "You will always be Mr. Minacci to me" I said. "You taught me that"
We have lost a great friend, Heaven just gained a great soul.

Mr. Minacci was a wonderful man and example...I will never think of or see a sample of Mercury without thinking of him. May God comfort you during your time of sorrow and grief. Debbie Burman Peck ('78)

Mr. Manacci was the teacher of the only class I ever failed but it sure wasn't his fault! I had a great respect for him and when I think of him, he is smiling in my mind's eye. Class of '67

My condolences to the Minacci family. He was one of those men that you always had respect for. He commanded and DESERVED it. I'll never forget Coach for helping me out of a tight spot....He just "got it". 
Class of '88

To Mrs. Minacci and family, I wish to send my condolences to each of you. Enjoy the wonderful memories of such a wonderful teacher and person. I was in the WPCS Class of 61. When I was in Mr. Minacci's classes, he encouraged us to do our best and not settle for just ok.  When I was considering which college to attend, he took me aside and suggested that I select the college that would help me learn the most.  He told me that it would help me be a better teacher and the best informed person I could be. I have always appreciated his wise advice.  Glenda Moyer Milner, Ellicott City, Maryland

I never had Mr. Minacci as a teacher but he was one of those teacher who took the time to get to know you and showed a true interest in what was going on in your life. He listened to us,yelled at us when we needed but was always there to help i will truely miss him. Prayers ans thought are with his family.
 Anita (Ceurter) Richmond

To the Minacci Family,
Paul Minassi was a Coach, Teacher, Mentor, Advisor, Instructor and as quick to joke as he was to scold you.  He had us toeing the line in the classroom as he did on the field of sports.  One of the few Men I can say made a big impression and reason to do your best.  He'll be sadly missed, but never forgotten for all of the people he taught and coached.  God needed a second Coach to help "Joe Paterno" with that team in heaven.   WPCS, Class of 68.

Mr. Minacci was a teacher you could never forget. He was an inspiration to many students. I will never forget the time when we where on are senior trip how he said he like to drive by bus instead because he like to look at the scenery. I am a member of the class of 88 Darlene (Dean) Falank

I am so thankful that Coach Minacci took the time to be so much more than that.  An important mentor in my younger days and I am a much better man today because of of his influence.  
Thanks Coach!

To the Minacci family, sorry to hear of the passing of your Husband, Father, and Grandfather. I had Mr. Minacci as a teacher in the class room and on the baseball field. My thoughts and prays are with you at this time. Praying the Lord will comfort you with His peace ... surround you with His love ... and encoursge you with His presence.
Class of 1960

One of my favorite teachers and the best baseball coach I ever had. Often have thought about him and asked about him at our 50th class reunion this past summer.

Don Brooks Whitney Point Class '61

I had Mr. Minacci for Biology and he always made class fun although he never put up with any nonsense.  He was a warm and caring teacher who helped several students on their future paths.  We were the class of 1961.  I saw him not too long ago at Good Shepherd.  We had a nice chat about my classmates since we had just had our 50th Reunion in August 2011.  I am so glad I stopped in to see him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.  Your loving memories will always keep him close in your heart.

Mr. Minacci was one of those teachers you will never forget. He has touched all of us who went to WPCS, and he will be missed. 

Debora (Freeman) Martin
WP Class of 87

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Although he was never my teacher...he was the most respected teacher of my 1966 graduating class.  He was a "class" act. So sorry to hear of his passing...wish more teachers were like him.

Mr. Minacci was the best! He was always smiling and encouraging. Bless you all.
Sharon Shafer

To Eric and the rest of the Minacci family, my condolences. He was a fine teacher and even finer person. 

Kevin Johnston (WP Class of 1984)

To me he was just "Coach" and he always will be.

Lisa and Family,
   My deepest sympathies for the loss of your dad. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

To the Manacci family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Manacci , he truly was one of the good ones. He always had a kind word and a smile, and always willing to just chat. I am a better person for having known him. 
Class of '84

To the Minacci families.
Your father was one of the best teachers but, also a very giving man. Selling enough to go on the senior class trip was difficult, but being twins, we were a little short in the end. But your father said,"You've worked hard, dont worry about it" and we both got to go. I will never forget that. We all feel your loss. May God wrap you in his gentle arms and comfort you. 
Bobbi Brown Mras, WP class of '82

Mr. Minacci was an awesome teacher and a kind and gentle man.  I have great memories of him and I will always remember his positive outlook in life.  I will also cherish the fond memories on the 1985 senior trip to Walt Disney World ~

I have very fond memories of Mr. Minacci during my years as a student at Whitney Point, class of '84.  I remember that he always had a smile on his face.  Eric, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Dear Mrs Minacci and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your husband.  As you well know that he was a excellent teacher and leader is was also a very dear loving friend to me as well.  I will always remember him with love and respect.  I will pray for you and your entire family and please know that I will always have nothing but loving memories of him.  
Yours Friend always Eileen (Gilmore) Bolls

Thoughts and prayers going out to the Minacci family.

A teacher who knew when to be tough and when to have fun.  I will never forget being in his class (the tough side) and our senior class trip to Florida (the fun side).  Steve, and family, my heart goes out to all of you.
Karen (Hawley) Gorman, WP Class '83

Paul was one of my favorite teachers in High School.  He taught me both with his knowledge of the subject and with his ability to challange me to do more and to dig deeper.  His humor and witt were legendary in the classroom, as a coach and outside the school environment.  While the years have passed and our contact became very sporadic he continues to influence my life and my spirit.  God Bless you Paul and grant your family peace and comfort.

I am a WPCS graduate of 1971 and Mr. Minacci was our favorite teacher.  His humor and kindness were something we could count on daily.  We all knew he was there for us should we need help, and he made a difficult subject tolerable and easier to learn. He was the model of what a great teacher should be and we were so fortunate to have him in our lives. He was truly one of a kind and will always be remembered.  Vickie (Hiser) Perazzini

To the Minacci family, 
We are so sorry for your loss. Eric and I have such a clear memory of Paul ( your dad/grandpa) looking at Maia when she was a baby, marvelling at the light in her eyes and concluding that she would shine brighter as she grew. It was such a lovely sentiment, especially since it was delivered with his own warm, bright, smiling eyes.  We know he will be missed sorely  and our thoughts and love are with you.

Mr. Minacci was a true asset for WPCS, both in the classroom and in the sports he coached. If it was a push from behind or a pat on the back, he was there for us. He made me a better man.

Mary,
 My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. But, you have all of the good memories of your lives together.Cherish them.
 Gayle Cooley

He was my favorite teacher in the late 50'.  Also, he had respect for everyone.  A good leader. " Thank You a pleasure to know you"
Linda Sherman Hinkson  Florida

Dear Lisa and family, 

From all your friends in SPAS, please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers. 

Love,

Forty years ago I was anxiously waiting for my mid term results to your Physic's exam. Now I am recalling all your life lessons that you gave us with good humor and fun, yet with enough seriousness that we all knew we had your respect and you ours. You wore a tie everyday and once told us it was because we were important to you and you wanted us to know that it was a symbol that you were giving us your best and expected our best. On the football field it was "be balanced, keep your feet shoulder width apart, heads up, how are you going to see what is is front of you, keep your heads up". Thank you for keeping us balanced.

Lisa,  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sending you a huge hug. Maria

Sorry to hear Steve.  Sounds like he was a great guy.

Mr. Minacci was one of those teachers every student should have! He was the finest example of integrity and fairness! A sad day for everyone! Deepest Sympathy to the Minacci family from my father Carl Short and our family, Kathie (Short) Nobs

I am a member of WPCS Class of 63. Paul Minacci was one of our most beloved teachers. His love of teaching and devotion to his students was always evident and he made us better people by always encouraging us to be our best. He will be remembered and missed.

Mary,  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.  Jean( skellett) Sanford  Naples  Fl

Much love and our condolences on the loss of your father and husband. Love the Wood family.

he was  a wonderfull teacher whos lessons i carried with me all my life he was always teaching with example about fairness and treating people all people with respect.  A truly great man who i was proud to know

OBITUARY

Paul F. Minacci

September 6, 1931 – January 30, 2012

James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home

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