Paul B. Pritchard, 89, passed away peacefully at his Fair Haven home July 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. Paul was born April 21, 1935, in Buffalo, New York, to Elmer and Pauline Pritchard.
Paul was predeceased by his three siblings and son Frank. He is survived by his wife Pat of 65 years (the love of his life and best friend, as he used to say), son Tyson (spouse Seana) and Rodney. He was known as Paulie to his five grandchildren, Amie and Dylan, Brett and Brynn, and Charlotte Nagy, in whom he took great pride and pleasure.
Paul was a graduate of Kenmore High School and went to Penn State University, graduating in 1958. While at Penn State, Paul took his first job at Fuller Brush selling products door to door. He believed this was the most influential job experience he ever had as it taught him a relentless work ethic, a drive to sell and succeed, and humility as he dealt with many slamming doors. His toughest sale was selling a wet mop to a woman with a dirt floor.
Motivated by success and improving his family’s lives, Paul held many jobs and moved from Marblehead, Massachusetts, to Geneva, Illinois, finally stopping in Fair Haven. After years of hard work and through a strong entrepreneurial drive, Paul took a huge financial risk and started Toll Compaction, a chemical manufacturing company. He successfully grew the business to a level allowing his two sons to take over so he could start to enjoy his retirement. Paul epitomized the American Dream.
Paul was known for his great storytelling and quick, dry, unforgettable sense of humor. He loved the competition and camaraderie of sports – golf, platform tennis and especially skiing. He coached his son’s hockey teams through their youth and was the first hockey coach at Rumson-Fair Haven High School. There was always a new game for Paul – duplicate bridge, sudoku and crossword puzzles.
Then there was dance. Paul loved to “cut a rug.” He was always the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. Paul’s long-standing memberships in Rumson Country Club (where he served on the board of governors) and Sea Bright Beach Club enabled him and Pat to enjoy many lasting friendships.
He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Fair Haven police department, fire department or the first aid squad. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the July 1 – 7, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
