PAUL SAVAGE BARTH

1958 - 2024

BARTH, Paul Savage Family, friends and colleagues will gather today to celebrate the life of Paul Savage Barth, who died at 65 on January 15, 2024 from pancreatic cancer. He was a beloved father, cherished brother and lifetime love of college sweetheart Kathy Knight. They were wed in 1982 in a field in Connecticut, celebrated by planting a little oak tree and by leaving the reception in a hot air balloon, which would become the first of many rides during their travels. The last ride took place over the city of Florence, Paul's 40th anniversary surprise to Kathy. Paul was born on December 19, 1958 in Bay Village, Ohio where he grew up riding bikes with friends, launching rockets, building Lego, hot wheels and slot car tracks. He truly enjoyed his education at Lake Ridge Academy and loved playing the piano to his parents' delight. It was a time of many adventures with the "Explorer's Club", with his mother Jean leading the song and his father Al supporting Paul's curiosities. Always a learner, college wasn't enough for Paul. While working at Schlumberger-Doll research in Ridgefield, CT and starting a family, he also chose to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science at Yale, followed by a PhD in the Electrical Engineer and Computer Science department working with Arvind and R. S. Nikhil at MIT. He received his doctorate two days before welcoming his third child. Paul spent much of his career developing advanced data solutions for Fortune 500 companies, beginning at Thinking Machines as an Applications Engineer in 1992. From that launch pad of creativity came a journey that always sparked his particular blend of curiosity, inclusiveness, team-building and quiet leadership. Many who worked with Paul noted his ability to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully. His professional journey included Vice President of Data Management at Epsilon, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Tessara Enterprise Systems, CTO of IXL, Founder and Managing Partner of New Vantage Partners, CEO of Podium Data, culminating as Global Head of Data Literacy at Qlik until his death. Throughout it all, it was the people he worked with, those he helped and those he collaborated with, that put a smile on his face at the end of each day. While Paul thoroughly enjoyed his professional career, he was lovingly devoted to his family. He was a playful Dad, often rolling on the floor, playing nightly chase to loud Motown music, and building block towers. He would often disappear to a nearby field with the kids and the dogs for adventures in nature or enjoy launching rockets on the Brewster Flats on Cape Cod. His joyous imagination helped foster a curiosity in each of his kids no matter their pursuit. Whether as a soccer coach, band "roadie", or avid fisherman, Paul was on every sideline, at every concert, and at all the events that mattered to the kids. His self-deprecating humor paired with a driven but gentle spirit was a great example of balance in his fatherhood, a role he treasured. Because of their shared vision, Paul and Kathy truly enjoyed raising a family of individuals, each one encouraged and supported to become their own people through all the changes in their lives, a vow they made to each other at their wedding. Theirs was a marriage of true partnership, each supporting the other through various pursuits. Creating their home over time was a particular joy as they dreamed, planned, gardened and cooked together. Their partnership shone brightly with the many events held at their home over the years; be it a Pictionary party, a sports team or class gathering, or the tree lighting party where they lit up that same oak tree from their wedding (now six stories tall). They cherished each other's company and could often be found at either end of a sofa discussing the challenges and joys of the day. In so many ways they filled each other's spirits with balance and true devotion. It is hard to imagine one without the other. Paul is survived by his wife, Kathy Knight, his children, Jem (SE Fleenor), Béa (M Mallinen), and Casey (Karina DePiano), as well as his brother Glenn (Kathy Barth) and his sisters Jamie (Rick Yorde) and Carolyn (William Preskill). His family and friends miss him dearly and will always recall his deep laugh, generous spirit and great head of hair! Donations in Paul's memory may be made to: Food for Soul: a nonprofit founded to prevent food waste and social isolation (www.foodforsoul.it) or to Acorn Endowment: founded by Paul and Kathy to support community service and leadership skills Belmont Day School (www.belmontday.org)

View the online memorial for Paul Savage BARTH