Paul Gillert

Paul Gillert, beloved husband, father, Grandpa, Papa, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Lafayette, Colorado on October 3, 2025 surrounded by his adored wife and daughters. Paul was born in New York, NY to Esther Melendez on January 9,1944. When Esther passed away at a young age, Paul was raised by his Titi (Carmen) and Papi (Armando) and grew up surrounded by his extended family. He was forever devoted to them both. Papi passed on to Paul his love of fishing and boating. Paul was a lifeguard at Atlantic Beach in New York and always had a love for the beach and his boat.

Paul attended Queens College and received his law degree from St. Johns University. He also served in the Army as an Army Intelligence Officer. Paul loved the law and knew early on that he wanted to practice labor law. He went on to have an illustrious career in employment law and human resources. As Vice President of Human Resources for various companies in the telecommunications industry, he particularly loved training, mentoring, and labor negotiations. He changed many people's lives during his career through his knowledge, humor, and strong ability to connect with others, caring deeply for his colleagues, and inspiring many of them to continue learning and grow their careers.

As a young man he often enjoyed building model airplanes, boats, and miniature antique cars. For his daughters, he built a dollhouse for each, and even a backyard playhouse.

He met the love of his life, his dear Rene, at the age of 18 while he was in college. The two met as teenagers and married six years later. Paul embraced his new family. Their lives together centered around their loved ones. He particularly loved entertaining friends and family in the backyard of their home in Stony Brook, NY for pool parties and barbecues.

Paul was a thoughtful, kind, compassionate, and incredibly generous man, with a gregarious personality and a wonderful sense of humor. You knew that he loved you if he teased you.

Above all, Paul was a devoted husband and family man. He loved being a father. Paul shared a deep and enduring love with his wife Irene, and was a proud and adoring father to his daughters (to whom he passed on his self-deprecating humor) Suzanne (Brad) and Melissa (Jordan). He took enormous pleasure and pride in being around his grandchildren Aden, Sophie, Ava and Jack. He loved to remind them that he was "El Rey, a direct descendant from the King of Spain" or "The Stud Master" and experienced much joy from them, being goofy with them, and being a part of their lives.

His family and friends treasured their time with him and will deeply miss him. His warmth and humor touched everyone who knew him. His legacy will live through the laughs and the stories that will be told in his absence.

A private burial was held on Thursday, October 9 at the Louisville Cemetery. The family is planning a celebration of life with family and friends in the fall of 2026 in Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the below:

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration

Trail Winds Hospice Foundation