Paul Nelson Schlereth, a quiet man with a thoughtful heart who served in the United States Air Force and worked as an engineer, found his greatest joy in his family.

He died on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the age of 86.

“He was born on Feb. 4, 1939, on Staten Island, New York,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He attended Public Schools 15 and 16 and was an enthusiastic Boy Scout. A graduate of Curtis High School, Class of 1956, Paul’s name is etched on the school’s permanent honor-roll brass plaque.

“He attended Syracuse University and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Paul was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. He ultimately served as a captain in the United States Air Force and took an engineering position immediately after with Procter & Gamble at the Port Ivory plant on Staten Island.

“In 1966, recovering from minor surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Paul met Maureen Gruhle, a young nursing student. Their connection began with a shared conversation about a book and resumed a month later when Paul spotted Maureen in line at a bank and asked her out. Thus began a love story that would span 57 years.

“During their courtship, Paul frequently made the trip from Staten Island to Glen Cove to see Maureen. One of their earliest adventures together involved buying a Lightning sailboat in New Rochelle and sailing it across Long Island Sound — just the beginning of a life spent exploring together.

“Paul and Maureen were married in 1968 at St. Patrick’s Church in Glen Cove. They welcomed their son, Glenn, in 1969, and shortly thereafter, moved to Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania where Paul continued working for Procter & Gamble. Their family grew with the arrival of daughters Kristin, Karin, and Anne.

“After eight years in Pennsylvania, Paul transitioned into a career in management training in New York City. The family moved to Northport, Long Island, and purchased a Cal 29 sailboat for family cruises, the occasional Thursday Night Race, and a sunset sail on Northport Bay as often as possible. Their children spent summers swimming, sailing, meeting friends in the village, and finding adventure at the nearby park, just steps from ice-cream cones and Band-Aids for skinned knees.

“Paul found his greatest joy in simply spending time with his family. Maureen and Paul eventually left Northport and moved to Greenville, New York, to be close to family. There, on a 55-acre property they call Pine Valley Farm, they raised four llamas, two alpacas, and a colorful mix of ducks, chickens, and guinea hens.

“Surrounded by nature and family, Paul and Maureen built a life filled with music, books, and wonder. They shared joyful years with Maureen’s sister, Kate, and their niece and nephew, Delia and PJ. The farm eventually became a treasured place for their four grandchildren, Calder, Willa, Jonas, and Julian, who spent summers catching frogs, playing in the woods, and swimming in nearby Lake Myosotis at the Huyck Preserve. Paul, ever the watchful and loving grandfather, often sat lakeside with a book in his lap and a gleam in his eye.

“One of Paul’s favorite family stories was about Jonas being asked to describe his ‘dream vacation’ in school. Jonas answered without hesitation: “I would go to Pine Valley Farm.” Paul and Maureen’s ‘love farm’ had, indeed, yielded its richest harvest.

“Paul never lost his passion for art, music, and learning. Paul and Maureen attended the Glimmerglass Festival each summer with longtime friends, a tradition that lasted almost 20 years. For his 80th birthday, the family celebrated with a weekend at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford — a full day of walking and art appreciation that Paul relished. In his office hung a signed poster from the legendary blues musician Taj Mahal, who inscribed it: ‘Paul — Thanks for setting up the NEXT generation.’

“Paul was a quiet presence with a thoughtful heart. He listened more than he spoke, always ready with a wise question, a warm hug, and steadfast encouragement. He inspired his children to be brave, to seek beauty in the world, and to stand for what they believed in. He gifted books filled with art, planned museum outings for birthdays, and created a legacy of love, intellect, and compassion.

“His family celebrates his passing as the culmination of a life beautifully lived — filled with deep love, great adventure, quiet wisdom, and enduring joy.”

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Paul Nelson Schlereth is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen; by his sister, Susan Schlereth Cable; by his children, Glenn, Kristin, Karin, and Anne; by his daughter-in-law, Susana de la Puente of Neuquén, Argentina; by his sons-in-law, Scott Remick of Northampton, Massachusetts, and Nick Raio of East Northport, New York; and by his cherished grandchildren, Calder, Willa, Jonas, and Julian.

“He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend,” his family wrote.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station education programs or to the Northport Sea Scout SHIP 270.