Paul Tennenbaum, 76, of Ellenville, New York, passed away on October 22, 2026. Born and raised in Ellenville, Paul maintained a lifelong love for his hometown, its people, and the community that shaped him.

Paul was the beloved husband of Helen Tennenbaum, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage, love, partnership, and countless memories. He was a devoted father to David Tennenbaum and his wife, Alicia, and Erica Tennenbaum and her husband, Alex Friedman. Above all else, Paul cherished his family and took immense pride in his seven grandchildren, Olivia, Eliana, Isabella, Akiva, Rafaela, Lily, and Evelyn, who lovingly knew him as Pop-Pop. He is also survived by his brother, Alan Tennenbaum. He was predeceased by his parents, Julie and Marion Tennenbaum.

A standout student-athlete at Ellenville High School, Paul excelled in both basketball and baseball. His passion for basketball continued into college, where he attended Iowa State University on a basketball scholarship before transferring to Adelphi University, where he graduated in 1972. He also served in the National Guard.

Following college, Paul traveled to Bologna, Italy, to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Although his path eventually led him in a different direction, his time abroad sparked a lifelong love of travel and exploration. He treasured the experiences and stories from his European adventures and looked forward to returning there with his family and friends.

Upon returning to Ellenville, Paul joined his father in the family business, Center Electric, which specialized in air conditioning and appliances. Working alongside his parents, he helped expand the business into additional services, including propane and custom heating and air conditioning systems. The company eventually became known as Tennenbaum's Gas Heating and Air Conditioning. After selling the family business at age 49, Paul explored other professional opportunities, including title insurance, before returning to school to pursue his love of science. He earned his master's degree in teaching and returned to his alma mater, Ellenville High School, where he taught biology for more than a decade.

Paul's connection to Ellenville ran deep. He took tremendous pride in his hometown, its schools, its local businesses, and the people who made the community special. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Ellenville athletics and an advocate for local businesses. He served on the local zoning board for over a decade and used this position to help set Ellenville up for future success. Paul also enjoyed participating in Ellenville's annual Fourth of July parade, dressing in full Revolutionary War attire alongside his closest friends.

Beyond his work and community involvement, Paul had a deep appreciation for music. His musical tastes ranged from classical music and opera to jazz and rock and roll. There was always music playing in his home, and you could occasionally find him playing classics on the piano.

Paul was genuine, dependable, and compassionate. He was a loyal friend who stood firmly behind what he believed in and valued the importance of showing up for the people who mattered most. His kindness, reliability, and unwavering commitment to those he loved left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all, Paul was a devoted family man. He adored Helen and treasured the life they built together, embracing each other's passions, respecting their differences, and creating a lifetime of shared adventures and memories. He took enormous pride in David and Erica, rarely missing a game, a milestone, or an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. As a father, he invested his time, energy, and heart into helping them grow into the people they are today. He welcomed their spouses, Alicia and Alex, with open arms, loving and treating them as his own.

Paul loved sports: playing, watching, teaching, and talking about them. With his children, he wasn't just a dad cheering from the sidelines; he was their personal coach, mentor, and biggest supporter. That same enthusiasm carried over to his seven grandchildren, each of whom brought him tremendous joy. Whether coaching, watching them compete, or simply spending time together, being their Pop-Pop was one of his greatest pleasures.

Paul's life was defined by his love for his family, his pride in his hometown, his curiosity about the world, and his dedication to the people and causes he held dear. His legacy will live on through his family, his many friends, and the Ellenville community he loved so deeply. He will be remembered with love, gratitude, and respect by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be remembered not simply for what he accomplished, but for how he made people feel: loved, supported, valued, and always welcome.

There will be a funeral service on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Congregation Ezrath Israel in Ellenville, NY at 12:00pm, followed by internment at Ezrath Israel Cemetery, Wawarsing, NY with full military honors.

Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home for further information please call 845-434-7363.