Paul T. Waltsak

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Paul Thomas Waltsak, Sr., 81, of Manasquan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in 1940 in Newark, NJ. As a young child, he spent each summer in Manasquan, in a home built by his father, William. At age 9, Paul permanently moved to Manasquan. He attended St.Catharine's Grammar School, Spring Lake and then attended Middlesex County Vocational High School where he earned his diploma in Carpentry and Cabinetmaking. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Claire Harkness. They spent the next 59 years in Manasquan, where they established the iconic Mr. Paul's Custom Cabinets and raised their four children. Paul loved Manasquan and was active in many organizations, including the Jaycees and the Rotary Club of Wall, where he received the Paul Harris Award. Paul was a communicant of St. Denis Church and was an active member in The Knights of Columbus. Paul was a master craftsman. His custom kitchens and cabinets grace many homes in the tri-state area. Paul enjoyed fishing on his boat, The Devastator, telling jokes, and cutting up the rug on the dance floor. His claim to fame was making two appearances on American Bandstand. Paul's greatest joy in life was helping people and getting them to see the good in themselves.
Paul was born to Regina and William Waltsak. He was number ten of thirteen children. Paul was predeceased by his siblings: Robert, Regina, Rita, William, Betty, George, Joan, James, Martin, and Tommy. He is survived by his brother Leo and sister Barbara Drum. Paul is also survived by his wife Claire (nee Harkness), his four children Paul, Jr (Wendy), Christine, John (Maryanne), and David. Paul, known as Poppy, leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Paul T. Waltsak, III, Gwen Egloff Du(Kha-The), Brianna Gagliardo(Tony), Carley Graham, James Waltsak, Jamie Waltsak, Brayden Waltsak, and Seamus Waltsak. Poppy also leaves behind two great granddaughters, Mabel Louella Du and Arianna Rose Gagliardo. Paul also leaves behind a large extended family consisting of many nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws and friends that Paul considered his family.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, March 6. 2022, from 4-8 pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, NJ 08736. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am on Monday, March 7, 2022 at St Denis Church Manasquan, NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Kindred Hospice, 242 Old New Brunswick Road Suite 140, Piscataway, NJ 08854 or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105-9959. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.