Paul Ciriaco Rotondi

July 22, 1939 - January 26, 2021 We are heartbroken to share the news that Paul Ciriaco Rotondi passed away on January 26th, 2021 due to heart complications. He was 81 years old and leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Roberta Spivak; sons Matthew and Ian, their mother Susan, his daughters in law, Suzy and Christina, and grandsons Bowie and Rio. In addition, he was a loving brother to John, Charles, Mike, Marianne, brother in law Alan, and endlessly proud to be a part of a circle of family members, friends, and students that meant the world to him. Paul was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 22, 1939, the son of Carmine Rotondi and Giovanna Savarino. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was a young man, a place which he instantly loved and soon flourished. He began his journey into the world of education graduating from Cal State LA, and becoming a beloved special education teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. While working full time and raising two young boys, Paul ultimately achieved the honor of a Doctorate in Special Education from UCLA. One of many astonishing feats he accomplished in his life. Paul possessed something that is generally referred to as "generosity of spirit". There's no doubt of the profound effect and influence he had on nearly everyone who crossed his path – his students, his fellow teachers, community causes, charities, local shops, fellow artists and creative souls. Paul embodied the ethos of "we are all one" and loved being witness to the common humanity in the world. He loved connecting with people, learning names, and discovering stories. He dove whole-heartedly into discussions about feelings, fears, loves, hopes, as well as old movies, Shakespeare, art, food, travel, and just about anything. Paul had many sides: adoring husband to Roberta; caring father, grandfather, brother and friend; brilliant and devoted teacher; an inspired artisan and sculptor who used creativity to enrich the world around him; and Banana Paul - a goofball with prodigious wit and a true connoisseur of the stupid joke. Paul was incredibly selfless and generous, not just with those he knew, but to everyone. The rest of us may only hope to match Paul's capacity for compassion and empathy, but he has shown us a path and set out a light for us to strive towards. Let us never stop missing him, or forget how it felt to be in his orbit.*In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association.