Paul Edward Bechtel

Paul Edward Bechtel of Venice, FL passed away peacefully on Oct.5, 2014 at 85. A loving husband, father & grandfather, Paul grew up in Petersburg, IN. He attended IN State Teachers College majoring in Education & Music, & moved to NY City in the 1950s where he sang with the Riverside Church choir & pursued work in musical theater. After receiving a Masters degree in Education from Teacher's College of Columbia Univ., he taught music at Waverly Elem. School in Eastchester, NY. He & his wife, Marie moved to North White Plains, NY in 1962 where he taught 4th & 6th grade & directed some of the musical programs at Columbus Ave Elem. School in Valhalla, NY. In retirement, Paul & Marie moved to Bay Indies Retirement Comm. in Venice, FL where he worked with the Kiwanis Club, sang, played piano & performed, directed an adult choir & produced many oil pastel artworks. They later moved to Village on the Isle Retirement Comm. in Venice, FL. Paul is survived by his wife, Marie; his daughter Kate Hagen (Roger); his son Dave (Kirsten); and his two grandchildren Anna and Jack. He is predeceased by his father Arthur and mother Edna, brothers Wilfred (Florence), Carroll (Shirley) & Randy (Nancy). A private service will be held on Cape Cod, MA where the family enjoyed yearly summer vacations. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements.