Paul Martin D'Esterre

PAUL MARTIN D’ESTERRE of Medford Lakes, NJ, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, October 7th, 2022. Born 86 years ago in Queens, NY, he grew up the second of three children of the late Norcott & Anna Lida D’Esterre.

Paul was an all-scholastic football player and wrestler at Garden City HS (competing directly against the immortal Jim Brown in both HS and college), while also receiving recognition for being most artistic in his class. He accepted a scholarship to Colgate University, where he excelled at lacrosse and wrestling and was awarded scholastic recognition from Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation, he served in the US Marine Corps.

Subsequent to his military service, Paul had a long and distinguished sales career. After retiring from sales, he enjoyed several business ventures including home restorations, owner / proprietor of a historic bed and breakfast home in Alloway, NJ, and finally as a real estate appraiser in South Jersey.

Paul enjoyed many varied pursuits, including portrait drawing, classical music, and most especially, playing golf at Medford Lakes CC, where he was a member for over 40 years. But Paul was really most at home spending time with his extended family. He was a true gentleman of kindness, warmth and compassion with a great sense of humor. It would be difficult to find someone who met Paul that didn’t greatly enjoy his company.

He is the beloved Husband of Judith M. (nee MacMillan) of Medford Lakes, NJ and the loving Father of Guy (Grace) D’Esterre, Valerie (Jay) Bertsch, and Dawn (Ted) Balling. Loving Stepfather of Beth (Arnie) Gervasio, Matthew (Alice) Keane, Ryan (Jennifer) Keane, and Megan (Ed) Kent. Grandfather and Great Grandfather to 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving brothers Norcott (Karen) and James D’Esterre, his former wife, dear friend and mother of his children Diane (John) Hall, and his beloved dog Alfie.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2 pm at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1 Hartford Rd, Medford, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave #203, Roseland, NJ 07068 (alznj.org). http://weblink.donorperfect.com/pauldesterre

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