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Paul Dee Obituary
During his tenure as athletic director Dee oversaw Miami's move from the Big East to the Atlantic Coast Conference, as well as the construction of the Hurricanes' on-campus basketball arena and other projects. The Hurricanes won national championships in football and baseball during Dee's time running the department.
The university said Dee died Saturday night.
"We lost a teacher, leader, friend and a truly loyal man today," Miami athletic director Shawn Eichorst said. "Paul Dee devoted every ounce of energy and passion to the University of Miami over many, many years. The Hurricane family sends its condolences and grieves along with his family and friends."
Before serving as its AD, Dee started work as Miami's general counsel in 1981.
"The entire University of Miami community is saddened by the loss of Paul Dee," Miami President Donna Shalala said. "A proud alumnus, he will be remembered for his distinguished career and service to the University."
Dee also was a member of the NCAA's committee on infractions, most notably when sanctions — including a bowl ban, scholarship reductions and forfeiture of games — came down against Southern California in 2010, all stemming from improper benefits given to then-Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush by sports marketers. Dee chaired the committee at the time, then saying "higher-profile players require higher-profile monitoring." Those words were oft-repeated a year later, when Miami found itself dealing with another high-profile NCAA scandal.
Widespread claims came out in 2011 of extra benefits having been provided by rogue booster and convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro during an eight-year span, much of which occurred during Dee's time as athletic director. That investigation is ongoing, with sanctions possible in the coming months.
"I don't think any of us had any idea what he was doing," Dee said last year.
Dee was a past recipient of the James W. McLamore Outstanding Service Award, something Miami established to recognize service to the university that went "above and beyond the call of duty," plus earned the school's Faculty Senate Award of Merit and President's Medal in 2008. He was also a member of the University of Miami and Palm Beach County sports halls of fame, as well as the Orange Bowl committee.
Dee was remembered for a huge commitment for strengthening the Hurricanes' programs in women's sports.
"Paul Dee was as generous, kind and patient as anyone I've ever met in athletics," Miami women's basketball coach Katie Meier said. "His vision for intercollegiate athletics was based on integrity and equality. I will miss my mentor, adviser and friend."
Dee graduated from Florida in 1970 with a degree in political science before earning a master's degree from Miami in 1973 and a law degree there four years later.
"Ever since I came to Miami, I've loved Miami," Dee said in a 2007 interview with The Associated Press.
Dee was the former football conference chairman for the Big East, then held the same role for the ACC in 2006 and 2007. He also served on the ACC's finance, television and men's basketball committees. He was a member of the Florida Bar and was honored several times by the Boy Scouts of America and other civic organizations.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced. -- TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
45 Entries
Reggie B.
April 24, 2024
Fight On
Nancy (Kate) Shaffer
May 24, 2012
I had the good fortune of teaching with Paul at Glades Central High School. I followed his great career on the internet and was not supprised by his successes. I was so sorry to hear of his death and I know he is missed by many.
May 24, 2012
No one can know exactly how you feel, but may it help to know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family, May it comfort you to know that I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.
You're in my thoughts now, and in the days to come.
You have my deepest sympathy
L. Green-West Palm Beach, FLA 33407
May 23, 2012
To the DEE family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-
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May 23, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Dee. In the near future we will be able to welcome her back to a paradise here on earth. May God provide the needed comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Margaret Tuma
May 21, 2012
I too lived in Terry's neighborhood. In fact, his parents were my brother Patrick's godparents. We always had a running joke going in our house that whenever my mother wanted the house cleaned quickly that she would announce that the Dee's were coming. We would all scramble to get everything in order since they only lived down the street. They were and still are a wonderful family.I have to tell you that Terry accompanied me to one of the proms at Rosarian. He did it as a favor to me and my family as he was a couple of years older. Always a gentleman to be sure. Our love and prayers go out to the family especially to Margaret Mary and Cathy. I know that he will be missed.
May 19, 2012
May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time. (1 Cor. 1:3,4)
Anne Marie Shriner
May 18, 2012
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Donna Winterson
May 18, 2012
My heartfelt prayers go out to all of you as you struggle with the loss of this most wonderful man. He will always be remembered by the Cardinal Newman Class of 1964 as a Gentleman and a Gentle Man. It was a privilege to know him.
Bob Argel
May 17, 2012
Very sad indeed. Fight on !!
Fr. Elliott O'Neal
May 17, 2012
To Cathy and Tad:
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss of your beloved husband and father. inhale been remembering him and you all week with prayers and Masses. God bless you and yours!
Fr. J.Elliott O'Neal
Class of 1964 CNHS
May 17, 2012
My deepest sympathy to you, Kathy, and your family. My prayers are with you.
Ann Weiss-Raff
Vanda Hansford-Martin
May 16, 2012
Paul was not only my senior year history teacher but became a very close friend for the last 42 years. He was a very devoted husband to Liz and very commited to UM. Our friendship was very valuable to both of us and it will be cherised forever. Cathy, I know you will miss Paul greatly and I am saddened that you are not being given the opportunity to have shared his upcoming retirement. God evidently had other plans. May you hang on to the memories you and Paul made during these last years.
Jean Wolf Jankowski
May 16, 2012
Mr.Dee was one of my favorite teachers.
He was my history teacher when I was a senior at Glades Central High in Belle Glade(1971). It was a rough/transition year from Belle Glade High to Glades Central and he was one of the main reasons that I was able to still enjoy going to school that year. He made history come alive for me and I have even told my sons about him. What a wonderful person, what a wonderful teacher... what a loss! I am glad to have had the privilege of being one of his students. My sincere sympathy to his family.
May 16, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Debbie and Dan Masterson.
Marcia Holt
May 16, 2012
Mr. Dee was a much loved teacher at Glades Central High. He taught my History class when I was a senior, class of 1973.. I am sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family. May they take comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and how well he is remembered by those he taught.
May 15, 2012
May the peace God's promise offers
help to ease your grief today. And may He always be beside you as you go along life's way.
With Sympathy
L. Green-West Palm Beach, FLA 33407
Gene & Ellen Pereira
May 15, 2012
Terry you will be missed very much. So glad we had the opportunity to met with you and Cathy , and other cousins, for such a fun evening for dinner. Our thoughts and prayers to Tad and Cathy and the entire family. From your Kansas City cousins.
R. J. Wilson
May 15, 2012
I grew up a few houses from the Dee family and spent a great deal of time there. Paul was known by me as Terry. His sister was in my class at St. Ann's. I recall vividly his grandfather's workshop in the garage. When it came time to choose a sponsor for Confirmation, Terry was my only choice. When it came time to choose a college, Terry was adamant how good and how much fun U of F was. It was the entire Dee family that influenced my formative years on 9th St. I have been grateful ever since.
Gene. And Ellen Pereira
May 15, 2012
Terry you will be missed glad we got to have dinner with the family in Florida . Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Your Kansas CIty Cousins
Catherine Dillon
May 15, 2012
To our dear cousin, Paul...You will be sorely missed by you're Hoboken family. RIP cous....
Jeff Zarch
May 15, 2012
An etegral part of Athletics at the U. R.I.P. Paul, and GOD comfort the Dee Family
Claudia Volpe
May 15, 2012
I worked with Paul Dee in the General Counsel's office at the University of Miami. My deepest sympathy to the Dee family during this difficult time.
Aaron Todd
May 15, 2012
Paul Dee,
I am so saddened by your passing! Thank you for your wise words, positive outlook, healthy eating tips- "Eat Half", and encouragement. You looked great after the chemo and weight loss and didnt see this coming.. I used you as a resume reference just 2 weeks ago! God rest your soul, friend.
VICKY FULLER
May 15, 2012
I AM SADDENED BY OUR LOSS OF MR. DEE, I WOULD HAVE TO THANK HIM FOR MY LOVE OF THE HURRICAINES BECAUSE I SEE THAT HE IS WHY I AM STILL ALWAYS WILL BE A FAN FOR LIFE. GREAT PLAYERS DO REQUIRE HIGH PROFILE MONITORING. DO IT BIG.
SINCERELY,
MISS VICKY FULLER, FWB ,FL
Charles Papy
May 15, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of my friend Paul. Paul and I were members of the U law school class of 1977. From the first day I met him i knew he would be my friend for life. A brilliant mind, great temperament and truly honest in every way. The personal sacrifices that he made for the university will not be know by many but appreciated by thousands for years to come. A true quite leader and one we should all try to follow. Please rest in peace my dear friend.
Bob Butler
May 15, 2012
I first knew Paul as Terry. He went to the same high school as I did but he was a few years ahead of me. We hooked up again at the University of Florida, as fraternity brothers and eventually roommates for a time. Paul was one of the most genuine people I have known as well as a very funny man. He will be missed and my condolences go out to his family. God Speed, Ice Baby!
Marilynne Schrader
May 14, 2012
I was shocked by the news of Paul's passing and am so sorry for his family. I was in his class at Newman and have fond memories of him. May happy memories of him comfort his family as they grieve his loss.
Lamont Williams
May 14, 2012
Mr. Dee taught me at Glades Central High School in 1972. He was a wonderful teacher and man. We missed him when he left for UoM to earn his masters' then his law degree. Mr. Dee came back numerous times to visit his old high school. Oh, he got his start as an AD at Glades Central.
Tanya
May 14, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. The pain of losing a loved one is indeed great, but may you draw close to God during this time of grief and he promises that "he himself will sustain you."(Psalms 55:22)
Pete Lynch
May 14, 2012
Paul and I were classmates at Newman and shared homeroom together. The last time I saw him was in 2008 {0r 2007} at Duke when the U was visiting for football; my son and Iwent to the field and asked a security person to give Paul a message; I told him to tell Paul Sister Estelle wanted to see him right away. He turned around so fast and looked over ans started to laugh. Itold him I knew I would get your attention with that. We talked for about a half hour about Newman and what others were doing. My son was impressed with him and how down to earth and the things he and I remembered back that many years. He was truly a class act and should be remembered as a truly Good Person. My family's thoughts and prayers are with the family.
May 14, 2012
What a great kid!!! And all of his buddies, too..........I loved and still do love my WPB students......St. Ann and Newman............
Mary Catherine Ownby
a.k.a Sister George Elizabeth
May 14, 2012
I taught with Paul at Glades Central High School in Belle Glade in the seventies. He was a great teacher, friend and wonderful person. All will miss him. He was a bright light in this world.
Louise Knight - Mayfield, Kentucky
"T.Bone" Martens
May 14, 2012
I grew up with Paul, when we were younger he was called by his middle name, Terry. He lived two houses away and we spent hours and hours together. I'll never forget the time I accidentally swung a baseball bat and hit him right in the eye, the worst black eye I have ever seen. His parents were so mad, for a long time.
He was always a model for me, the way a student should be....great with grades, the teachers all loved him, as a matter of fact everybody loved him.
My prayers to his family and close friends. There will be a tremendous void with this loss, but his memory will live on forever.
May 14, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you at time of grief, may all Paul's memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1 Joanna
May 14, 2012
NC State sends its' most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Paul Dee. He was a terrific colleague and clearly loved the U with all of his heart.
Debbie Yow
NC State Athletics Director
Don Prokes
May 14, 2012
Paul and I were college roommates and fraternity brothers at the University of Florida and remained friends for the last 40 plus years. I was there when he dated Liz and I met Cathy when they were dating. Cathy's daughters and my daughter were KD's at Florida,
we shared so much. I was only one of two Gators at his retirement party from Miami, he told me I could wear Orange but not any blue. I will miss him dearly, he was a wonderful friend. My thoughts and prayers to his family. Love and Respect.
Raymond Luckster
May 14, 2012
I wish the article had mentioned that Mr. Dee got his start at Glades Central. I had Mr. Dee for American History. GCCHS c/o '72. Very nice man.
S Howard
May 14, 2012
Dee Family
I'm sorry for your loss,
May God give you comfort at this difficult time. Romans 5:4
Bob Venezia
May 14, 2012
On several occasions many years ago, Paul and I served Mass at St. Ann Church in West Palm Beach. He was a very nice young man. May God rest his soul.
May 14, 2012
To the family members of Paul Dee. Please accept my condolences and may you be comforted in knowing God will see you through this difficult time.
Rob Rothstein
May 14, 2012
As a UM Grad now living in Ocala, Florida, I have often made the trek from my home in Ocala to UM to attend football games. On one such occasion, my friend, Ken, came with me. As we were walking near the football building where coaches hold meetings, I spotted a man I thought I knew as "Ron". I yelled out, "what are you doing here?" Mind you, this was on GAME DAY! "Ron" came over to speak with us and I suddenly realized that this was Paul Dee, the Athletic Director! Mr. Dee spoke with us for a good twenty minutes, telling us about the new basketball arena and so on. My friend, a former Gator fan, could not believe that an important part of the athletic program would spend that much time with two guys he had never met....especially on Game Day!!! Mr. Dee was a charming gentleman who was a true asset to the University. I am deeply saddened by his untimely passing.
May 14, 2012
To the DEE family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-
May 13, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Dee family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Andrea Bolton
May 13, 2012
Paul was a great teacher at Glades Central High School in Belle Glade when I knew him and his wife Liz.....full of fun and so much spirit....condolences to his children. He will be missed by a lot of people he influenced....
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