Dick Paul (Daniel H. Paul) of Mays Landing, passed away on March 17, 2015, at home with his loving wife, Marcela at his side. Dick had been struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Dick was a dutiful son, a loving partner to Rita, his first wife of 25 years, son Brett, (for both their only child) over whom he beamed with pride, and to Marcela, his second wife with whom he spent 40 years, including the last quarter century in wedlock). Dick was well known and widely loved in the communities in which he resided and by virtually everyone he touched not only for his wonderful musical talents but for his kind-heartedness, his authentic and original humor, for embracing life’s simple pleasures, for his charisma and for his uniquely optimistic spirit even as he fought illness in his final years. He was one of the world’s genuinely good-guys. Dick was born on March 4, 1928, to Russian immigrant parents Nathan and Jeanine in Chelsea, Mass, one of seven brothers. He embarked upon what would become his illustrious musical career as a piano player at age 15 by performing at strip joints and nightclubs in the greater Boston area to what he laughingly described as “mixed results”. Within only a couple of years and classical training behind him, Dick had quickly come to be reputed as one of the best jazz pianists gigging in the Boston area. Upon completing high school, he left Chelsea, put a musical career on hold and entered the US Navy during WWII where he served his country with dignity. Armed with a discharge, he married his childhood sweetheart (turned interior and fashion designer) Rita Marshall, moved to Florida, and entered the University of Miami under the G.I. Bill to further his music studies. Dick moonlighted during college and continued his work at Miami Beach’s hottest night spots including the Clover Club, Ciro’s and the Beachcomber (the latter of which is where he first earned baton stripes as a bandleader) and where he accompanied entertainment giants and vocal greats such as Lena Horne, Tony Martin and Martha Raye. He got his first big professional break at 28 years old when Lew Walters (Barbara’s father) selected him as the bandleader/pianist at the Latin Quarter. When Judy Garland hit the height of her popularity and visited Miami Beach for her one night performance at the Convention Center in support of her “Judy Garland Live From Carnegie Hall” album, she tapped The Dick Paul Orchestra to accompany her. Later, Dick housed The Dick Paul Orchestra at The Americana Hotel, where it remained for over 20 years alongside many Vegas-style review show’s at the hotel’s The Bal Masque room enabling Dick to raise his family in Miami Beach and to perform for other local events and celebrations. Over time, Rita and Dick separated and divorced. Dick met showgirl (turned showroom maitre d’ and hotel captain) Marcela Sciera in 1975, and in 1980, when Brett entered college in Boston and Casino gambling gave rise to live entertainment on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, moved with Marcela to Atlantic City where Dick accepted appointment as the inaugural Musical Director of Resorts International, the City’s first modern day Casino Hotel. During Dick's years in Atlantic City, Dick was embraced by Atlantic City entertainment circle and community at large as Dick served in similar capacities at both Caesar’s World and The Showboat Casino Hotel . Over the course of his career, Dick played with and for hundreds of entertainers including Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett, Ann-Margret, Joan Rivers, George Burns, Julio Iglesias, Dionne Warwick, Harry Belafonte, Diahann Carroll, Buddy Hackett, Vic Damone, Sophie Tucker, Johnny Mathis, Donna Summer and many more, many of whom he befriended. Dick felt at home backstage, always enjoying the company of his colleagues and friends, many of them luminaries of the live performance stage, sometimes calming their pre-stage nerves. Dick was an excellent musician and accompanist, despite his humble inclination to jokingly deflect praise and attribute his success to his 6’4” height and looks in a well-tailored tuxedo. It was his notable abilities as a musician that enabled him frequent work with other premier musicians of his day. He was a wonderful storyteller, and his friends and colleagues adored his short takes on everyday events. Over the course of his life, he enjoyed time as an avid tennis player and crossword puzzle aficionado. He loved the beach, fishing and being outdoors in the sun. He did not miss any one of Brett’s little league games at North Shore Park. If ever asked how he was doing, Dick invariably responded “Never had a better day!” Dick is survived by and will be missed by wife Marcela, first wife Rita, son Brett (now, the Executive Vice President of Warner Bros Television Production and Co-President of Warner Horizon Scripted Television), daughter in law Vanessa, grandson Dean, brother Mert, sister in law Carolyn, nieces Lisa and Lynn, sister in law Eunice, nephews Stuart and Eric. Dick was pre-deceased by his parents and all but five of his six brothers. Despite the challenges presented by his disease in the final years of his life, Dick lived a very happy life doing the things he loved with the people he loved, filled with more than a fair share of joy, music, tears of laughter and smiles and will be sadly missed by not only those that he loved and loved him, but also by the many people that knew him. A small private memorial was held for immediate family only. Additional information on subsequent remembrances and/or information for donations, flowers etc will become available through Boakes Funeral Home.