Obituary of Paul L. DeBacco

Paul L. DeBacco, 85, of Mendham, NJ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 10, 2015 after a short illness. Born in Newark, NJ, on September 13, 1929, Paul graduated from St. Benedict's High School, received his undergraduate business degree from Seton Hall University and his MBA from New York University. There was nothing more important to Paul than his family. Paul was the beloved husband of Marilyn DeBacco for 63 years. He was a devoted father and is survived by his wife Marilyn and six children: Dr. Paul and Sharon DeBacco (Newtown Square, PA), John and Debi DeBacco, (Williamsburg, VA), Barbara and Dan Foy, (Abington, PA), Tom and Lynn DeBacco, (Leawood, KS), Steve and Julie DeBacco, (Atlanta, GA), and Teri and Tim Molnar (Mendham, NJ). Also surviving him are twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren and three sisters; Sister Mary DeBacco M.P.F., Elsa Lamastra and Angela Valgenti. He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Teresa DeBacco, and his son, Michael Christopher DeBacco. Paul served in the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the Korean War, after which he began his successful career as a corporate executive in New York City at several companies, including Arthur Young, Johnson & Johnson, Celanese Corporation and Interpublic Group. He then moved to Kansas City in 1965, where he was Corporate Vice President of Human Resources at Hallmark Cards and was active in volunteering and sharing his knowledge on several boards such as Notre Dame de Sion and Old American Life Insurance. Upon retirement from Hallmark, Paul moved back to New Jersey. Retirement did not slow him down, and he continued to use his skills and experience as a consultant and board member at several companies including Joule, Inc. and Sabert Corporation. Paul had a zest for life and always enjoyed family vacations and gatherings. The family has fond memories of Dad putting Mom and six children (and on occasion his children's friends and stray dogs) in the station wagon and driving across the country on more than one occasion. Some of his favorite times were spent around the dining table enjoying great conversation and a wonderful meal with his family. He enjoyed golfing with family members and was a member of the Mendham Golf and Tennis Club. He was a voracious reader, had a sharp mind and an infectious love of learning. Paul was also a member of St. Joseph Parish in Mendham, NJ. The memories of Paul will forever be etched in our hearts. The family welcomes you to join us in celebration of Paul's life with the visitation being held Thursday, July 16 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Bailey Funeral Home in Mendham, NJ (baileyfuneral.com). A funeral mass will be held Friday, July 17 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Abbey, Delbarton School in Morristown NJ. The family would like to thank the compassionate members of the Morristown Memorial Hospital oncology staff and Atlantic Hospice for their service and comfort. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Atlantic Home Care and Hospice, 465 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960 or to the local chapter of the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).