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Paul Frankel Obituary
AGE: 80 • Oceanport
Paul H. Frankel, 80, of Oceanport, passed away on February 28th, 2017 at home. Born in New Jersey, he graduated from Dartmouth College in 1958, earned his law degree from the University Of Virginia School Of Law in 1961 and earned an LLM from New York University School of Law in 1965.
Paul spent his entire career as a tax attorney. He began litigating federal tax cases on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service in the 1960's. He then became Senior Tax Counsel at W.R. Grace & Co. and discovered the world of state and local taxes (SALT). On July 1, 1988, Paul joined Morrison & Foerster LLP and spent the remainder of his career leading the firm's SALT practice. He successfully represented taxpayers in major tax controversies in nearly all 50 states, and won many significant state Supreme Court cases. In addition to representing taxpayers, Paul successfully fought for due process, and particularly for the creation of independent, prepayment state tax courts.
Paul also volunteered his time to many organizations including serving as: Chairman of the Council on State Taxation (COST) Lawyers Coordinating Subcommittee; National Chairman of Tax Executive Institute (TEI) State and Local Steering Committee: Chairman of the National Foreign Trade Councils Worldwide Unitary Task Force; Chairman of Tax Management Inc.'s State Tax Advisory Board; a member of the CCH State Tax Advisory Board; a member of the NYU Institutes State and Local Advisory Board; and a trustee in Perpetuum of the Monmouth Bar Association. Paul was also a much sought after speaker on SALT issues and would often receive standing ovations for his presentations. More than being a great advocate, Paul was a great person who was respected by his clients, colleagues, and adversaries, as well as the judges before whom he appeared. As a result of all of his hard work in the SALT field, many consider Paul to be the "godfather" of SALT.
He is predeceased by his daughter Lisa. He is survived by his beloved Wife of 55 years, Dee, two daughters, Susie and Amy, one son, Jonathan, a son-in-law, Joe, eight grandchildren; Jonathan, Chris, Chyle, Matthew, Mark, Max, Lucas, and Addison, and four brothers.
A funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, Ocean. Interment will follow at Chesed Shel Ames Cemetery, Neptune. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Monmouth Bar Association or the American Cancer Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Frankel
Sponsored by Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels - Ocean.
Edward R Koch
September 10, 2018
I am sorry to have only learned about Paul's passing in early 2017. I am retired since 2012 and was in the hospital much of early 2017 with complications from Multiple Myeloma but in remission now.
I first talked to Paul in the early years of the Allied-Signal case on unitary taxation when I was in-house tax counsel. He was very encouraging. It took ten years but the taxpayer finally won at the Supreme Court.
Thereafter, when I had switched companies, Paul served as our tax counsel in the Newhouse case in New York that became a landmark state tax case on the retroactivity issue.
Paul was always a cheerleader, encouraging, and understanding. He was almost like a preacher at times at COST meetings. I recall once when he pounded on the podium at a bad decision and shouted . I tell you it's wrong, I say it's wrong. A member of the audience jumped up and exclaimed, Amen, Brother.
Rest In Peace, Paul, I am sure you are in a better place.
kathleen matzelle
May 29, 2018
I'm sorry, Mr. Frankel. I will remember you always with love in my heart. You are no doubt an angel now, as you were in life. I miss you now and will miss you always; but when I think of you I will smile. Thank you for your belief in me. It made a difference.
Robert Shannon
April 5, 2017
Paul was not only a superb attorney, but a real mensch. He was a man of his word. A straight arrow. He gave me excellent mentoring. He was a giant. He will be sorely missed.
Jim Buresh
March 7, 2017
This morning I woke up to the sad news that one of my best friends Paul Frankel had passed away. I have known Paul for over 40 years having been with him at countless COST meetings, audit sessions and conferences. It was making joint presentations to National TEI conferences or to local chapters most notably in Dallas and Houston as well annual sessions before the Chicago Tax Club. It was working with him on conferences at NYU, the Deloitte/ Florida Bar, NISLT and others. In all of these sessions Paul displayed a passion and energy that could never be matched. He made state taxes not only rewarding from an intellectual standpoint but fun as well.
After Paul joined Morison Forrester he reminded me that I was his first client when he represented Sears on a NY unitary matter. We won that case. While arguing our case Paul displayed the impressive work ethic that became his forte over his illustrious career.
Two things always impressed me about Paul: first was his ability to put complex state tax issues into an understandable format. Judges or hearing officers could always see his clients position in the best possible light. Second was his mentoring of state tax professionals and encouraging them to perform at high levels. He challenged them in a manner that made them better lawyers or accountants.
But there was another side to Paul that made him special. He really cared about others. I still remember being in my new office on my first day at Arthur Andersen in LA when a delivery person brought in a plant and floral arrangement from Paul and his colleague Holly wishing me well in my new endeavor. On every birthday until he got sick I would get a phone call wishing me a happy birthday. When we were going to make a presentation to a group he would always call to see if we could have dinner together. I treasured those times. I was so pleased when he and Dee were able to join Carole and I on our 40th wedding anniversary while we were in NY. There was a wonderful side to Paul that I really appreciated.
Yes no one did more than Paul to put state taxes on the map. He was its spokesperson, its leader, the first person anyone thought of when dealing with state taxes. He was the best. RIP my friend.
My deepest sympathies to Dee and the family.
Robert / Marie Lerner
March 6, 2017
Paul - Thank you so much for the council and mainly inspiration and the impetus to get planning and organization into our lives. It is with great personal sadness that we offer our sincerest condolences to your family in this trying time.
Marie and Bob Lerner
Tony Chirico
March 6, 2017
Paul's enthusiasm, knowledge and professionalism coupled with his great sense of humor helped inspire me to a career in state tax. His monthly update of state tax developments was like gold that we couldn't wait to devour. He will be greatly missed by all of us. My heartfelt condolences to Paul's family and friends at this difficult time.
David Peirson
March 5, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. I can't believe he's gone. I spent many years of my career at Hercules traveling around the country with Paul and Holly fighting and winning so many tough cases. Those were the best years of my working life. Paul was the best and he will be deeply missed. Thank you Paul for all you did for me and the SALT community. My thoughts and prayers and sympathies to Dee and his family.
Alvin Kasson
March 4, 2017
To the Frankel family...my sincetest condolences .... a very old friend...high school and college days....much respect.....Al kasson
Mike Silver
March 4, 2017
Dear Dee,
My deepest condolences. Paul was a dear friend. I'll always remember our 3 years rooming together at U Va Law. I regret not only his passing, but failing to keep in touch so many years.
Paul had a first class mind. I recall that he wasn't happy with U Va Law the first year. While I was struggling, he wasn't taking assignments very seriously. He even said "I'm resigned to flunking out of this place." Yet, when mid-terms came around he applied himself, went to the library, mastered a semester's worth of work and got good grades on the exams. What an accomplishment! From then on he was the aspiring lawyer.
So I'm not surprised he had such a sensational career.
I also have vivid memories of you having joined him during our first year. The beautiful, Jewish girl from Harrisonberg. A great find. Could it have been meeting you that inspired his devotion to Law?
Many friends have died, and that's always sad. I had a powerful emotional reaction to Paul's death and wish you and your family the very best.
Mike Silver
Rabbi Joe Blair
March 3, 2017
Baruch Dayan Haemet.
Condolences to all of the family on this loss from all at Beth El Congregation in Harrisonburg.
May you be comforted from heaven, and may the memory be for a blessing.
March 3, 2017
Frankel family:
I had the great pleasure of working as the local counsel for Paul for New Hampshire cases for many years. As you all know, he loved New Hampshire due to his love for Dartmouth. Paul was a joy to work with and to learn from. His enthusiasm, insight, intelligence and aptitude for state tax is a model for all. A great lawyer and man who will be missed but remain in our thoughts.
Chris Sullivan
Concord, N.H.
Rob Tuinstra
March 2, 2017
So sorry to hear about Paul's passing. It was one of the great pleasures of my career to be able to work with Paul. He will be sorely missed. Wishing Dee and the family peace at this difficult time.
Kathy Manuell
March 2, 2017
What a great man. Paul will be missed. My condolences to the family.
March 2, 2017
It is hard to believe that it has been 35 years since I first met Paul at the TEI State and Local Tax School, I as a student and Paul as an instructor. He was such an inspiration, I made a decision then and there to specialize in state and local taxes. Paul was a mentor to me, making sure that I was always on the right committees, and introducing me to the right individuals. He never forgot to inquire about my family, career, and health. There will never be another one like him. Thank you, Paul, rest in peace.
My very best to Dee, Jonathon, Suzy, and Amy and their families. I will keep you in my prayers.
Lorna Turner
Victoria Sheahan
March 2, 2017
Sending love and prayers to Dee and the entire Frankel family.
ruth and gene lowy
March 2, 2017
love you my cousin you are so special rest in peace , our heartfelt condolences to dee and the girls love ruth and gene
March 1, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a remarkable man.My thoughts l
barbara weiszhaar
March 1, 2017
Prayers for Paul's family and friends. What a legacy! Paul impacted so many lives.... Hard to find the words for this wicked smart, strategic thinking, kind, fun, passionate, and all around great leader and friend. We are all better for having known him....... Always thinking of you with a smile dear Paul. God Bless.
Joel and Cookie Mason
March 1, 2017
A great loss of a life long friend.
He was a superstar in the legal profession.
To know him was to respect and admire him.
Rest in Peace Paul, You will be dearly missed.
Carol Calkins
March 1, 2017
Paul and Jim Buresh instilled in me the love of state and local taxes. Often, the three of us would speak together at COST, TEI, and many state government organizations...we were known as Goldilocks and the two bears. Paul was an inspiration to many. His speeches were memorable. But most of all, I remember him for his humility. Probably the most outstanding scholar in the state and local field, he never took the spot light but was always shining the light on others. He was truly a great man. And he will be terribly missed. I am so sorry that I am unable to attend the service. Warmly, Carol
Rick Herrmann
March 1, 2017
Paul was larger than life in the state tax community with his gracious personality, vast reservoir of knowledge and yet he ALWAYS, no matter how busy, made time to patiently help anyone who asked. Paul truly respected everyone, and everyone respected Paul. Peace be with Paul's family. Thank you Paul, peace be with you.
Amy Eisenstadt
March 1, 2017
Paul took me under his wing, personally and professionally. I wouldn't have had the career I have had without his guidance and influence. What means the most to me, and what will be missed the most, is his friendship and his kindness.
My condolences to Dee, Susie, Amy, And Jonathan.
Tim Lyons
March 1, 2017
We won many major court battles with Paul as our guiding light. Although I retired 16 years ago, I still remember Paul and what a magnificent lawyer and person he was.
March 1, 2017
We were so blessed to have known this brilliant man and dear friend.
Our deepest sympathy to Dee, Susie, Amy, & Jonathan and the rest of
his wonderful family.
Tom and Pat Shebell
March 1, 2017
Paul was monumental as a life long friend. His loyalty to family ,friends and our nation will never be forgotten.
Warren and Barbara Leshner
March 1, 2017
Two times my best man and forever my Best Friend! When there are no words to soften the pain, may your spirit be touched by the love that surrounds you. Love, Warren and Barbara Leshner
March 1, 2017
Two times my best man and forever my Best Friend! Whenever there are no words to soften the pain, may your spirit be touched by the love that surrounds you. Love, Warren and Barbara Leshner
Diane Frankel Hunt
March 1, 2017
You will be missed! Hope now you can rest in peace and no more pain! Love you ♡
Chyrmone.(cee cee) Hall
March 1, 2017
May your soul rest in peace......love
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