Dear One,

I'm so sorry I missed you last summer. I wanted to tell you much I missed Paul and grieved for you. Paul was one of the nicest guys I ever met. It was such fun playing tennis with you both or watching the three of you play golf. There's a big hole in my summers - no, in my life - without Paul.

I hope you are OK and planning to come up to NEH this coming summer. I long to see you. How long has it been since we've known each  other? Many years.  Call me if/when you come. 

Love, Frankie.

Vandergrift Family,

My condolences to you all.  This was such a shock to learn.  I have great respect for Paul and all of the interactions I have had with him over the years.  Always a class act and respectful to me and our team at FDC.  Fritz and Joanie, I am so sorry for your loss.  Awesome dude and someone I will never forget.  Rest In Peace Paul, you were loved and respected by all who know you.

Though I had not seen Paul in years, I have never forgotten him. I've met many people in my life, and yet Paul was special. He was a great man with a huge heart as well as being wise and unpretentious.
He was a man who gave and gave of himself. On the diverse range of personalities, he was at the extreme other end of those people who seem only to know how to take from others. I still remember words from him made in the 1990s. Warm, funny, or otherwise memorable    utterances. He truly was a prince among men.

My heart goes out to Joanie, Alexis, Fritz and Mimi. I remember meeting Paul and what a lovely soul! Love to you all! Love, Diane Adams Toland


A true once in a generation man. The definition of honor and kindness. I will be forever grateful for his influence and friendship. 

I’m still in disbelief about Paul’s passing. When I think of him, his engaging genuine smile always comes to mind. I feel so bad for Joanie, Fritz and Mimi. I can’t imagine the deep  loss of such a caring husband and father. He gave so much to those around him and was such a great friend to my son when he was in high school. I truly believe our Heavenly Father took Paul into his loving arms and said “well done”. 

It’s like a bad dream that plays over and over again. I can’t believe your gone, we shared a text just a couple months ago. I sent you a thanksgiving greeting and never heard back from you. I’m so so hurt and heartbroken because now I know why…. I miss you Paul you were like a father to me we’ve done so much together. You as well as your whole family are and forever will be a part of my family. Rest easy my friend. 

We are so deeply saddened to hear of Paul's death. He was such a kind and thoughtful  person and possessed such a gentle spirit. I'll always remember my time volunteering with him at First Serve Tennis with the kids from the Salvation Army.  He was such a wonderful role model to those kids. His work inspired me to become more involved and help others in our community. I loved his smile, and friendly good-hearted nature . What an immense loss we all share in his passing. With Love and Sympathy, Laurie and Steve Gottlieb 

Wow. So many fond memories over so many years. We are speechless, and our hearts go out to all of his friends, family, and the many people he touched with benevolent energy. This is a loss for the world. Please check out the photo below, which says it all. 
 Lake Park, December 29, 2014.

I am so deeply saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. He will always remain in my heart as one of the most caring, kind people I have ever known. He was so gentle and fun, my favorite companion at a dinner party, and a wonderful person to whom I could talk about anything. My deepest sympathies to Joanie, Fritz and Mimi. 

Our hearts go out to Joanie, Fritz and Mimi.  They have lost a wonderful husband and father too early and the rest of us have lost one of the most genuine, sincere and caring individuals out there.  Paul will be greatly missed but his wonderful spirit will continue with all of us forever.   

I am greatly saddened to hear of Paul's death.  It's much too soon for a man with all he gave and had yet to give to his family and his community.  It was especially pleasing to interact with him through his great contribution to Palm Beach Atlantic University.  I send my love to Joanie, Fritz and family.

My husband and I are truly saddened by the loss of this wonderful man who for many was a beacon of light , a mentor and a loving person to all who came his way ..  our heart goes out to his family, wife, kids, and grandchildren  who were devoted to him .. I know that the multitude of good things that  he has done in his community will live on for generations & hopefully inspire others . . Rest well ❤️😇❤️

Mercedes and I send heart felt condolences to Joanie and the entire Van Der Grift family.  Paul was a remarkably kind and generous man. We are incredibly sad to hear of his passing and join the countless others who will miss him.  Boy did I enjoy our tennis times together.  The best man.

We have lost a gentle , beautiful person whose generosity extended to the reaches of Western Palm Beach County, to the promising ,and under appreciated youth whom he  sincerely cared for.
A generous man, a gentleman .
He cared .. 


Tim Malloy



OBITUARY

Paul Joseph Van Der Grift

March 18, 1958 – November 30, 2021

Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center

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