Louis Paludi

1930 - 2023

Paludi, Louis, - 92, Louis "COACH' Paludi passed peacefully on Thursday, August 31st in his home in West Atlantic City in Egg Harbor Township, NJ at the age of 92. His 93rd birthday was two days away on September 2nd. Louis is survived by his wife Norma Lombardi, daughters Robin (Randy Dennis) grandchildren Christopher (Stephen Ferguson); Randy (Nicole) and Louis. Step-daughter Laura Cox (Patrick); grandchildren Jilllian McAllister and Ethan Cox. Great grandchildren, Zavier Shea and Kaiden Dennis. and many cousins, nieces, and nephews; Lou is preceded in death by granddaughter, Heidi Isch. Louis was born in 1930 in Atlantic City, NJ to Louis Sr. and Emma Carroll Paludi. Born in the Depression to simple means he reached for higher dreams. He graduated from Atlantic City High School 1948; Temple University in 1952; and Temple Business School with an MBA in 1963. He joined the Army and played football for the Army from 1952 to 1954. Coach went on to teach and coach football for Temple University, Holy Cross High School, Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia, Pa and Holy Spirit High School. At age 14 he joined the Ventnor City Beach Patrol from 1945 to 1987 becoming Chief in 1967. He hired and inspired many young boys to become young men as responsible lifeguards and/or athletes or sportsmen. Lou hired the first, talented, qualified female life guard to the VCBP. She later became the Captain of a navy submarine. He recognized talent in all the young people that interfaced with him. He was able to help them "become the best they could be". He established the Goudy Lifeguard Races to showcase the trained required skills for the success of a lifeguard on the beach, in the ocean and in life. He believed, demonstrated and taught public service and safety; it was his quest. Louis became the head of the business department at the Atlantic County Community College and started the Casino Career Institute in 1978. He sought and led many to discover job opportunities and careers in the new gaming industry arriving in Atlantic City. In 1980 he opened Caesars Casino using his human resource skills. From Las Vegas came many executive gaming persons that welcomed Lou's ability to bring local employees-to-be into this new gaming world. From Caesar's he went to Harrah's where his job was to tutor their gaming executives and assist them to obtain a college degree in order to grow with Harrah's and the industry. He was very successful…..and so was Harrah's! In 1987 he joined (not yet opened) Showboat Casino as Vice President of Human Resources. A perfect marriage as he developed programs to select and elevate employees to perform for the success of Showboat. He knew that if all employees were happy with their jobs they would improve and produce a highly profitable bottom line for Showboat. He developed incentives and bonuses for employees who loved coming to work at Showboat, working together to win the game and share in the profits. He was thoughtful, innovative, and a driven leader. Coach was passionate about coaching, mentoring, and doing what was right for others; often remaining behind the curtains while those he led took center stage. A very generous individual who loved his family, his community and was skilled at helping others find their inner strength they may not have known existed. Truly a god-given gift from Lou Paludi. While working and leading in motivation for business, community, and youth organizations. He served on many Boards and organizations, too many to list. Along with his lifelong friend, Dr. John Holland they established and organized the Viking Rowing Club in Ventnor City. Thriving today and making available the challenge and skill of Crew racing and sailing. Served a President and Board of Trustees of the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City; Board member for the McCullough's Emerald Links, Egg Harbor Township. Some men leave marks, others build paths- Lou left an indelible legacy on many of us and changed the lives of all who were lucky to have known him.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Holy Spirit High School, Absecon, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 p.m. Burial will be private at Atlantic City Cemetery, in Pleasantville. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Coach Lou's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Viking Rowing Foundation, 2006 Cornwall Ave, Northfield, NJ 08225; Absecon Lighthouse, 31 S. Rhode Island Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401; Holy Spirit High School, 500 S New Rd., Absecon, NJ 08201. Arrangements by the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, Linwood - Ventnor. Condolences may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com