To paraphrase a quote from It’s a Wonderful Life, “A toast to Paul Finkel. The richest man in town.”
When Harry Bailey toasted his brother, George, at the end of that movie, he could have said the same for Paul.
Paul Finkel, 92, of West Orange, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on January 24th. He lived a full, rich life, built on integrity, love, and grit and hard work. Kindness, patience and a lifelong passion for family were his signature hallmarks.
Paul was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Miriam (Mamie), a homemaker, and Harry Finkel, who delivered newspapers on his bicycle for half a century. He was the youngest of four siblings – Julius (Jules), Shirley, and Peggy – living in a small home that served as a perpetual open house for family members and friends. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth and from Rutger’s University with a bachelor’s degree and a master of business administration (MBA) degree.
Paul was an honorably discharged war veteran from 1953 to 1955. He took a leave from the army on April 10, 1954 to marry Estelle Rosenberg, Paul’s “everything” for 69 years.
Paul’s deep rooted work ethic dates back to the early age of ten, when he got his own bicycle route delivering newspapers for his father. This was followed by a litany of jobs, often three at a time – from delivering Western Union telegrams and sweeping floors to being a motel clerk at night. His newspaper career also kicked off at an early age when he became a reporter in seventh grade for his junior high school.
Built on very humble beginnings, Paul’s work career is characterized by his professional success as much as the great respect he earned from colleagues and team members across all levels of every company he joined. His first fulltime job was a reporter at the Union Register in 1955, and he advanced to editor until 1958. Subsequently, he was poached for a corporate communications role at Monroe, a multi-national company manufacturing calculators and other business equipment. Soon after, he was asked to join Walter Kidde Co. by one of his former bosses to assume a newly created role in corporate communications.At Walter Kidde, a global operation with multiple companies in fire detection and various other categories, Paul rose through the ranks quickly as a CEO of two different companies, and ultimately, became a Vice President at Walter Kidde corporate at the age of 38.
His responsibilities encompassed everything from speech writing and annual reports to employee relations and finance. After Walter Kidde, Paul pursued other careers focused on investor and public relations, including work in the local political arena as both an agency executive and owner.
Paul’s most personal professional career role was cofounder, CFO and marketing guru for Estelle Finkel Educational Associates. He played an instrumental role in catapulting the tutoring business from a one person company to a robust operation of 40 plus professionals.
Other notable Paul Finkel facts:
• He made a cumulative donation of 15 gallons of blood to the Blood Center of New Jersey. This translates to 120 pints of blood, that could have helped as many as 360 people.
• He was PTA president of Temple Israel in Union, New Jersey, 1971.
Paul was predeceased by his siblings Julius Finkel, Shirley Linder and Margaret (Peggy) Katz; and his parents Mamie and Harry Finkel. He is survived by: Estelle Finkel, his wife; his four children and their spouses: Rachel and Steven Litner, Seth and Debra Finkel, Leah and Jeff Kaltman, and Miriam and Scott Friedman. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and two great granddaughters: Rebecca Litner; Jordan, Alexa Ing Litner and Maya Ing Litner; and Billy, Dido and Capri Litner. Other grandchildren are: Jonathan and Jared Finkel; Josh, Daniel and Jacob Kaltman; and Brad, Sam and Sarah Friedman.
Of all Paul’s blessings, he cherished his wife, Estelle, and family with all his heart and soul. He will be cherished forever in all our hearts.
To make a contribution in memory of Paul Finkel, please visit New York Blood Center (services NJ and other locations) or Hillel International.
