Patrick F. Paul

I think of Pat every time I pass St. Patricks or see a note from a former student on Facebook. He was a teacher in the true meaning of the word: he cared about his students and what they learned. He was a good friend, too, and my years working with him were the best of my career. I will miss him until we meet again.

Hard to believe a year has gone by. Pat left such an impression it's hard not to think of him often. So many things remind me of him.

Pat was a great friend, a fantastic teacher and a true mentor to my daughter Megan. My prayers go out to all of his family, since I know Pat doesn't need them now.

I was so sad to see Pat's face on the St. Pat's website and to read about his passing. My first year of teaching was at St.Pat's across the hall from Mr. Paul. I learned so much from him as a teacher, and I think of him often because I had so much fun working with him and teaching his daughter, Megan. My heart goes out to his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm so sorry to learn of Pat's passing. I worked at the Herald News with him. He came in most days after I had left but when he did come in the back door by my desk he always had a smile and hello. I pray you will find some comfort in knowing how many lives he touched.
God bless you.

Mr. Paul definately touched my life. I went to St.Pats until 7th grade and then moved away to a small town. I moved back to Joliet a few years ago and I remember old students popping their heads in while I was in Mr. Paul's class. He never got any of them wrong. He always knew who they were! Until I went back. I guess I changed a little and he had no clue who I was. I guess the southern accent stunned him. It was great to see him and thinking of him always put a smile on my face. I hope my...

KAREN,
I KNOW THIS SEEMS LATE BUT I COULDN'T COME UP WITH THE RIGHT WORDS SO I AM WINGING IT! I JUST WANTED TO WISH YOU VERY HAPPY 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! I KNOW IT ISN'T EASY WITHOUT PAT HERE, BUT YOU KNOW HE IS HOLDING YOU IN HIS ARMS IN HEAVEN, THANKING YOU FOR ALL YOU GAVE HIM THESE PAST 25 YEARS, 2 BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN, A BEST FRIEND & WONDERFUL WIFE AND A LIFE HE CHERISHED. HE IS CELEBRATING WITH YOU KAREN & HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART, THIS IS YOUR DAY & IT ALWAYS WILL BE,...

Mr. Paul was an awesome presence that will sorely be missed. It speaks volumes about a teacher when you still think about them 15 years later. I remember that Yankee doll that was stolen yearly, the Oscar Meyer weiner whistle and Bozo button birthday "party" with a rubberband or paperclip "present". I remember how he made learning interesting and fun. I hope my kids have at least one Mr. Paul during their school careers.

I am so sorry for your loss! I taught with Karen at St. Joseph School in Manhattan, IL, and I know what a wonderful person Mr. Paul was.