Paul Sand

It is with profound sadness and immense love that we remember Paul Sand, who passed away at the age of 93 surrounded by his loving family. Paul was a remarkable man whose life was a tapestry of dedication, joy, and extraordinary character.

Born in Cresskill, NJ, Paul served with honor and pride as a Marine Lance Corporal in the Korean War.

When he returned from the war he married his true love, and sweetheart Barbara.  Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. They were married for 69 beautiful years.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, his four children and their spouses; Linda and Ed Sanfilippo, Paul Jr. and Grace Sand, Michael and Joanne Sand, Brenda and Mick Gormaley,  his brother Albert Sand, sister-in-law Dorothy Sand, and sisters Vera VanHouten and Daisey Holllman.  He was Grandfather to Mike, Tom, Pat, and Kevin Sand, Ivy Ruiz, Paul Sand III, Anna Sand, Jason Sanfilippo, Nicole Fields, Kathryn and Ian Gormaley.  He was Great Grandfather to Sebastian, Dorothy, Mary, Lilly, Ed, Archie, Avalon, Paisley and Kinsley. 

Paul felt incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful family.

Paul was an operating engineer in local 825 for 40 years.  He worked on construction of the George Washington Bridge, Interstate Route 80, and the wetlands rejuvenation project in the 80’s.

Paul had a deep connection to nature and animals.  It was not uncommon for him to rescue a wild animal, clean it up, return it healthy and ready to survive in its natural habitat. He had a seagull friend, Louie who Paul saved after being shot completely through with an arrow.

He loved collecting old bottles and artifacts from his excavations.  It was his spirit of curiosity that lead him to discover fossilized dinosaur prints.  Archeologists were called to the construction site where many fossils were uncovered.  He was given one fossilized slab which was on a two ton piece of shale.  It still remains in the backyard of Paul and Barbara’s first home.

His charisma, coupled with a genuine interest in others, allowed him to form deep and meaningful relationships.  He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an unbreakable spirit. He taught us the value of hard work, the importance of a kind word, and the unmatched joy of a good laugh.

His memory will forever be a guiding light in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to savelbi.org, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the ocean and marine life of LBI.

A celebration of Paul Sand's life will be held on January 13, at Riewert’s Funeral Home in Bergenfield, NJ.  We welcome all family and friends in the celebration of his life.  Hours for the visitation are from 12:30 to 2:30.  A memorial service will follow from 2:30- 3:00.