Paul Weinman

Weinman, Paul BALLSTON SPA Paul Weinman, 75, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease, leaving a space in the universe that only he could fill. Born in Albany on April 11, 1940, he was the son of Philip and Jessie Weinman. A life-long resident of Albany, he graduated from Vincentian Institute and then earned a bachelor of arts degree from Harpur College, now SUNY Binghamton. Paul lived an incredible life. With a heart as big as the ocean and eyes that wanted to see the best in others, he was passionate and enthusiastic in everything he did. Paul was the director of education for the New York State Museum in Albany for almost 40 years, retiring in 2002. He was an enthusiastic gatherer and sharer of knowledge and an amazing story-teller. He was a natural born teacher. Paul especially loved teaching about Native Americans, animals, and archaeology. Rebel and activist, Paul fought for social justice in his teaching, political action, and poetry. From the 1960s through the 1990s, Paul was all over the Albany poetry scene in many incarnations, perhaps best known for his "White Boy" poems and readings. He shocked us, made us laugh, and always made us think. Paul was an archaeologist and participated in many digs of Native American and Colonial Dutch sites. He was an avid softball pitcher and Yankees fan. A nature lover, Paul enjoyed hiking, camping, and canoeing. He loved building things and made and gave away Adirondack Stick Furniture and "Orphan Chairs." He loved music and dancing. Paul grabbed each day with both hands and charged in at full speed to find the joy in it. Authentic, vibrant and fearless, strong and vulnerable, raw and inquisitive, loving, witty, funny, generous, encouraging, wild and gentle, playful, and real, Paul was a legend and a force of nature. He will be missed by so many, but will live on in the lives of everyone who was lucky enough to have their life touched by his. Paul is survived by his wife, Vicki; his children, Erika Weinman of Albany, Heidi Weinman (Kevin McDonald) of Albany, Stefan Weinman (Janice) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Meadow Braun (Jenn) of New York City and Jessica Mucilli (Tony) of Ballston Spa; grandson, Nolan Mucilli (who Paul called "Little Puppy"); brothers, Thomas Weinman (Gladys) of Syracuse, James Weinman (Linda) of Clifton Park and Mark Weinman (Sue) of Albany; several nieces, nephews and great-nephews and a great-niece; and many cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A celebration of Paul's life will follow at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions in memory of Paul made be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Pine West Plaza Building 4, Suite 405, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205. Online remembrances may be made at armerfuneralhome.com