PAUL DEE ESQ.

DEE, PAUL, ESQ. It is with great sadness that the family of beloved Paul Dee announces his passing on May 12, 2012 at the age of 65. He was born on January 6, 1947 in Hoboken, New Jersey and grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida. He attended St. Ann's Elementary and Cardinal Newman High School. Paul was a devoted altar boy and Boy Scout. Even at the young age of nine, Paul's love of sports was apparent. Though a serious car accident permanently side-lined his chance to actively participate on the field, Paul's love of the game, combined with his keen intellect and natural leadership put him on the path to a life where his many talents would flourish. Dee graduated from the University of Florida in 1970 where he was a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. After graduating from college, he taught at Glades Central High in Belle Glade, Florida. He also was the Athletic Director at Glades Central when they won the State Championship in Football in 1971 and 1972. He later earned his Master's Degree in Education from the University of Miami in 1973. Paul graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1977, where he was a member of Law Review. Prior to joining the Miami law firm of Mershon, Sawyer, Johnston, Dunwoody & Cole, Paul was a law clerk for the Honorable Charles B. Fulton, Chief Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. In 1981, President Edward "Tad" Foote II appointed Paul as General Counsel for the University of Miami. During his time as General Counsel, Paul was involved with all parts of the University, including the School of Medicine and the Department of Athletics. In 1993, Paul became the Athletic Director of the University of Miami. He was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. During his tenure as Athletic Director, UM won three national championships-two in baseball (1999 and 2001) and one in football (2001). He led the successful efforts to raise University of Miami student- athletes' academic performance. He was a champion for gender equity, adding women's soccer, women's volleyball and women's rowing. Paul helped spearhead UM's move from the Big East to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Under his leadership, the University significantly improved its athletic facilities, including building the BankUnited Center and renovations to Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park. Dee was active in the NCAA and the Big East Conference, serving on several NCAA Committees, including chairing the Big East Football Conference for two years. He served on and eventually became Chair of NCAA Committee on Infractions. In 2008, Paul began teaching at the University of Miami School of Law and School of Education. During the last four years he enjoyed going back to his roots of teaching and loved interacting with his students. He was looking forward to his retirement this June and spending more time with his family, including a retirement trip with his wife to Europe. He leaves behind his wife Cathy Zuckerman Dee, his son Terrance "Tad" Dee, his sister Catherine Dee and her husband Charles Self, his sister Margaret Scirrotto and her husband Joe, his nieces Marissa Ray and Lauren Scirrotto Garwick, great niece Julia Ray, great nephew Liam Garwick, step daughters Sarah Collins, Lauren Gutierrez and Maggie Zuckerman, and step grandchildren Sophia Gutierrez and Parker Collins. Aside from his many accomplishments throughout his long career, he will be most remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and friend to many. Though his life was cut short, Paul had a powerful impact on all of the lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Paul T. Dee Fund for the University of Miami Athletics Department and School of law. Please send donations to the University of Miami, Advancement Division, P.O. Box 248073, Coral Gables, FL 33124. Visitation 5pm - 8pm Wednesday at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES, 4600 S.W. 8 ST. Funeral Mass 10 am Thursday at St. Augustine Catholic Church, followed by a reception 12 noon at the University of Miami Alumni Center. Entombment will be private. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.