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Paul Gackenheimer Obituary
RENSSELAER - Paul E. Gackenheimer, 75, died Friday, July 25, 2025, at Samaritan Hospital, peacefully, with his wife by his side.
Born in Troy, he was son of the late Edward Gackenheimer and Helene Murphy Gackenheimer, and husband for 27 years of Lucia B. Pozza. He was raised in Troy, moved to Melbourne, Fla., in 2001, and returned to Troy in 2022. He was a graduate of Troy High School.
Paul was a computer operator for the New York State Department of Education for over 30 years, retiring 25 years ago.
He had a love of music and was a drummer for many years with several area bands, including The Cherrystones in Saratoga, and played in bands in Fla. He enjoyed golf and was a member of the American Legion Post 1489 in Wynantskill for over 53 years. Paul was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his daughter, Leah (Richard) Caola, North Greenbush; his grandchildren, Nico and Jordi Caola; his sister, Judy (Roger) Dilmore, Auburn; and several cousins.
Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc., 276 Pawling Avenue, Troy, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Interment will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, on Tuesday, at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Paul E. Gackenheimer to the American Legion Post 1489, 111 Main Avenue, Wynantskill, N.Y. 12198. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Gackenheimer
Hugh (Gus) Rolfe
August 8, 2025
Albia- adolescent chum/pal. Heart felt condolences to Paul´s Family(s). RIP
Charlie hannan
July 29, 2025
thoughts prayers blessing are with you God bless you many thanks for our many year's of friendship
Denny and Pat Brue
July 28, 2025
Dear Lucy, so thankful for the wonderful years we got to share with the two of you. Such great memories together at Squid`s Paul always brought us joy. He will never be forgotten. Love Pat and Denny.
Johnny O & Sheri
July 28, 2025
Lucy,
Johnny O & I are so very sorry to read of Paul's passing. May all your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Mary Beth Biette
July 28, 2025
Lucy - I was sad to hear of Paul´s passing. I enjoyed seeing you both at the Legion. Paul was such a nice man. My thoughts are with you.
Judy & Roger Dilmore
July 27, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Paula and Bob Milhizer
July 27, 2025
Lucy, Leah, family and friends,
Our sincerest condolences to you all on the passing of our lifelong friend, Paul. I would like to share a few memories.
We three Milhizer brothers considered Paul to be our fourth brother. This started when we were kids and they moved upstairs. On Sunday nights, our parents would make us home-made pizza and Paul had an uncanny way of knowing exactly when the pizza would come out of the oven and make his presence known.
When Paul and Lucy were getting married, he wanted the three of us to be his "best men". I think it was the minister that nixed that idea, so Billy was his best man and Eddie and me were ushers. Since the ceremony was at the Legion, we didn't have much ushering to do other than getting people to the bar. He gave us a money clip as a gift to remember the occasion. I have and will continue to carry that clip (as long as I have something to put in it) every day of my life.
We had many good times going to Saratoga and Gulfstream Park. I always managed to break something (like my glasses) and he would always fix them.
Finally, I was always proud of Paul's military service in the Air Force. He had a very important job as a mechanic on jet planes, making sure they were ready to fly. If he had to tell a senior officer that his "bird" wasn't going to fly that day, that "bird" didn't fly that day.
Many fond memories and, once again, our sincerest sympathies to you all.
Paula and Bob Milhizer
Pat Stallmer
July 27, 2025
I am very sad to hear about Paul. We were really good friends as teenagers and had a lot of fun together. Rest in peace my good friend.
John Quinlivan
July 27, 2025
Paul was my most loyal jamming drummer down at Squid Lips in Melbourne Florida. He loved music and the jam and I really believe that it kept his spirits high. We will always remember him as the most versatile and important part of the JAM.
Mary Ellen Reo
July 27, 2025
Leah and family,
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
Bill Milhizer
July 27, 2025
So long my lifelong friend. I miss the days you lived upstairs when we banged our drumsticks on the radiator pipes. Music to my ears forever.
Jack Block
July 26, 2025
Rest in Peace Paul.
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