Some members of our community may have never had the privilege of meeting Paul Katz, but he played an important role in making our community a brighter and friendlier place to call home. Paul was the primary moderator for our community email list, where many of us share news of family, events and items for sale. His daily diligence at the heart of Montpelier communications helped us connect with each other.
Those who knew Paul considered him a wonderful man and neighbor whose smile always brightened their day. In the last few months, Paul assisted me as Communications chair in identifying how to improve our outreach in the community, how to seek compromise with difficult people, and how to not “sweat the small stuff.” He often hosted the communications committee’s meetings at his home, and was to do so in early March when he began to feel under the weather. He had his wife Gail call me to apologize for not being able to do so. I followed up with him by email a few days after the meeting to learn that he had been admitted to the hospital, but had his laptop with him and was again busy moderating our community’s emails.
Our community’s Security committee chair, Richard Mason, reached out to his daughter Stacy to convey the many thoughts and condolences from the community. Stacy noted how proud her father was of his Montpelier roots and people in the community. He and Gail were original owners here in Montpelier.
My dad had been in the hospital for couple of weeks or more only coming home for one day in that time period. He originally went into the hospital for symptoms of what appeared to be a heart attack. His heart continued to beat above normal levels and the doctors had a hard time lowering his heart rate. After medicine was somewhat successful he was sent home to rest. Unfortunately he suffered a heart attack the next day at home and was rushed back to the hospital by ambulance. He spent another week in the hospital with elevated heart rates and other complications. He had surgery on Wednesday to have a defibrillator put in and actually came out of surgery quite well. The next day however he wasn’t doing so well. In the end of his heart was just too weak to sustain him and he went into cardiac arrest just after midnight on Friday night and the doctors were unable to revive him.
Paul passed away about 1:00am on Saturday, March 23, 2013. His obituary in the Washington Post can be found here.
His daughter said it would be great if members of the Montpelier “family” stopped by his home — 8721Oxwell Lane — to say hello to Gail and convey their fond memories of Paul.
She will be getting used to a new normal and I know she would love nothing more than to meet some of her neighbors who knew my dad through the site, etc…it would be heartwarming for her. She is only recently learning to do email, etc., so in the meantime I will be sharing these emails with her so that she can see what my dad meant to so much of the community.
Services
There will be no viewing because Jewish tradition is being followed. Funeral services will take place this Wednesday, March 27th, at 12:00 at Oseh Shalom Synagogue, 7515 Olive Branch Way, Laurel 20707 (off Van Dusen between the hospital and the fire house) with a graveside service in Olney to follow. The family will gather again at the synagogue for a shiva (formal mourning). The home will be open for visitors from 4 PM onward with an evening service at 7:30 PM.
In Lieu of Flowers
Memorial contributions in memory of Paul Katz may be made to Oseh Shalom Synagogue, 7515 Olive Branch Way, Laurel, MD 20707. Donations can be made online at this link.
From the Community
Shortly after word of his passing went out, the following were but a handful of thoughts were shared via the community email list which Paul helped moderate. Many more are expected over the coming weeks, and you are welcome to leave your own comments below, which will be shared with the family.
- I never met Paul but have had several “conversations” on here. He seemed like a wonderful man who was very helpful with ideas and suggestions, especially when we first moved here. Please pass my condolences on to his family. Judy, Royal Ridge Lane
- I did not know Paul but I was very familiar with his name and his reminders at time on email protocol. My prayers go out to his family. Perry, Oxwell Lane
- I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Katz. I was not fortunate to know Mr. Katz, but my husband saw your message first and told me, and immediately I was sad, because I know that I have seen Mr. Katz’s name many times. Of course you said that until recently he was very active as the primary moderator. Please express my sympathy to his daughter Stacy and yes, I know we all recognize what a wonderful service that Mr. Katz has provided as the primary moderator. Linda, Mt Pleasant Drive
- I am sad to hear this! Jennifer, 9205 Pleasant Court
- I am sorry to hear about Paul. I didn’t realize he was that sick. He will be missed. Charmain, Eastgate Lane
- We are so saddened to hear about your Father’s untimely passing. The community will appreciate more details about his medical condition and if there will be a memorial service honoring his life. Richard, Orwood Lane
- Oh my! I had not heard he was this ill. He gave quite a bit to our community. I hope that the Board can find a fitting way to express their appreciation (soon, and again at the Annual meeting). Tony, Crystal Rock Lane
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