With age comes the tendency to reflect on one's youth. At least that's my experience. A couple of weeks ago, for some unknown reason, I thought of Paul. I went to my main source of information these days...Google, and submitted Paul's name. I was saddened to see where he had passed away. I would like to send my sincere condolences to Paul's children, grandchildren, sisters and all of his loved ones. He was such a fine person. Paul and I met the summer he played baseball in Rock Hill, SC, where I still live. We went out that summer, kept in touch when he went back home, and I saw him the following spring in Florida when he was in spring training. We were just kids at the time and had fun seeing each other after ballgames. I will always remember Paul, first and foremost, as being about the nicest guy I had ever met. A first class gentleman in every respect! Of course, I will never forget those piercing blue eyes either! He was so handsome and sweet and always dressed to the nines! I am sorry this message is coming so long after Paul's passing. I have pondered and prayed over whether I should even send a message, but since the thought has stayed heavy on my heart and won't go away, I feel it must be the thing to do. Again, I am so sorry for your loss of such a dear one. I can see from the obituary that he was loved and respected by many and served so many so well. And from my memories of Paul, this does not surprise me at all! Pat Carter Woods Rock Hill, SC

He was a good man and a good friend. I wish I saw more of him.

To the family of Paul let me please offer my sincere condolences; this is a moment of shock and tears are being held back in my eyes. I only just learned by sheer accident, while contemplating calling him again, of his passing. We had talked which seemed like such a short time ago of some ball games that we had played in some time ago, a long time ago, when each of us were 15 and 16 years old playing for the Elmjacks, an all-star team with players from Corona, Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights. One game was in Brooklyn, against the powerful Brooklyn Cadets[a win], and another in a tournament in Syracuse[a loss]. He was the starting pitcher in both games, because when the most important games were on the line we wanted Paul out there. Paul told me at that time of the passing of a mutual friend and teammate from the Woodside Incas, Bob Kazmarek. Paul and I played together on this team into our 40's. I had first met Paul at 10 years of age, while going to see a friend playing his Little League game on the same team as Paul, the Robins. Paul was pitching and just was over powering the opposing batters, something I was to learn he did regularly. I told a man there sitting in a beach chair how good that pitcher was, I also told that same man how good a hitter I was; that was my first meeting with Pauls father, Mr. Speckenbach. For years after that Paul and I played together basically on All-Star teams with the Elmjacks, now coached by Mr. Speckenbach, who grew fond of me, and Mr. Graham, two nicer and finer men than you would ever find. Paul went to St Francis as you know, a powerhouse in the CHSAA league while I played for Bryant H.S., a PSAL powerhouse and City Championship team along with Paul's best friend at the time, James Farley. From 10 years old, to 71 we were still friends, and I am so sad at this moment. Lastly I'll always keep hearing Mr. Speckenbach Sr. calling out, "come on Ray, let me see a Schalk-ie blast" I loved them both, Ray Schalk

Paul was a friend for over 40 years. He was a great piycher and hitter at St. Francis Prep. He, myself and other male friends would frequent PJ's a popular hangout in Farmingdale in the late 60s and while many of our other friends looked to pick up girls, paul and I sat at the bar many times talking baseball. Later we played basketball on the same Press League team although we were both over the hill. Paul was the perfect friend, easy going, knowledgable, humble. That is what I liked the best about him, HE WAS HUMBLE AND HHE WAS A GREAT ATHLETE, BUT YOU WOULD NEVER HEAR IT FROM HIM. I just learned of his passing and wish I would have pulled the trigger and called him. My regrets, I won't happen again. RIP

Our Sincere Condolences are extended to Paul's Family. Paul and I played baseball against each other during the early 60's. Paul played for St.Francis Prep and I played for St.John's Prep. Paul was a great pitcher and a powerful hitter. In my Junior year, Paul pitched a one hitter against us and I got the only hit. Paul never forgave me for that!!! Many years later I was fortunate to meet Paul and we became close friends. I will always remember the great times when Paul, Brother Ben O'Reilly and I would attend Ballgames together and afterwards discuss the game over a nice dinner. I will always remember Paul's kindness, sincerity and lasting friendship. Rest in Peace Paul. Fran and Joe Bottega Staten Island,New York

Our Condolences are extended to Paul's Family. During the early 60's Paul and I were Baseball competitors. Paul played for St.Francis and I played for St.John's.Paul was a Great Pitcher and a Powerful Hitter. In our Junior year Paul pitched a one hitter and I was lucky enough to get my team's only hit. Many years later, I was fortunate to meet up with Paul and we became close friends. I will always cherish our time spent when Paul,Brother Ben O'Reilly and myself attended ballgames and later discussed the game over a terrific dinner. I will always remember Paul as a Kind and Spiritual Man,who valued Friendships. Rest in Peace Paul! Fran and Joe Bottega Staten Island, New York

I played ball against Paul with the Long Island Americans in the Queens Alliance League when Paul played for the Woodside Incas A very good pitcher a strong competitor and a very nice person I am sorry for you loss

I was lucky enough to have known Paul since Little League and to have grown up with him in Jackson Heights. He was a great athlete but he was always a very modest person. We went our seperate ways for a number of years but I was lucky to reconnect with him in Southold where we often got together for dinner at my residence. My wife fell in love with Paul and enjoyed his stories and sense of humor. Paul was a very dedicated to the Catholic Church and the Blessed Mother and there is no doubt in my mind that he is resting in Heaven right now. Paul thanks for letting me be your friend.

Paul was a good person. His love of Jesus and His Blessed Mother were very evident in his life. I was teaching at the Prep on N. 6th Street in 1962 when he was drafted by LA and signed for $100,000. On the Prep team with Chick Keegan he was both a good pitcher and powerful hitter. He was the only high school player who could hit the ball from one end to the other in McCarron Park. May he rest in peace.

I was on the city championship baseball team at Prep in 1979. I never had Mr. Speckenbach as a teacher but he took a strong interest in my pitching career. He taught me how to throw a curveball that I named the "Spek" curve. I play in a men's senior baseball league and i still use that curveball when I pitch My catcher to this day knows it as the "Spek' curve. I always made sure to tell him thank you for working with me

My condolences to Paul's family and may his memories stay with you forever. I am sure no one will know who I am so let me explain. Your father, grandfather and brother was Best Man at my wedding in 1966 and I was his Best Man at the wedding of Paul and Fuzzy which took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral on what was the coldest of the year and the day Cardinal Spellman died. I was a player in the L.A. Dodger organization (1962-66). I knew Paul before he signed with the Dodgers and we spent tons of time in Vero Beach during spring training. After we both stopped playing we continued our friendship and played lots of basketball together in the LongIsland Press League. My business career took me away fr NY and over time we lost touch with each other something I now look back to with regret. He was special person! As I am sure you knew he was a rare baseball talent and if he had no arm problems he would have been a major league star. Again my thoughts are with you all and I hope the end was peaceful for him. Best Barry Erdos

Mr. Speckenbach, thank for being so patient with your Driver's Education classes at St. Francis Prep. You were truly a great teacher and mentor. Requiescat in pace. Richard J. Edwards, SFP Class of 1988

Mr Speckenbach was a great business teacher, he brought his real-life experiences to the classroom. He was not an easy teacher but he definitely made the class worthwhile. Keeping Mr Speckenbach and his family in my thoughts and prayers at this time may he rest in peace.

Mr. Speckenbach was a great man, teacher and friend. He is responsible for my 30+ year career in banking. I transferred to the Prep in my sophomore year and he befriended me from the first day I entered the school. His real life experiences were unbelievable. Thinking about him always brings a smile to my face. I will always have fond memories of Speck and the Prep. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family on the loss of such a special person at such a young age. Paul, RIP my friend. Mike Sclafani Class of 1977

I'll never forget Paul and how talented he was ... And how much I respected his talent and his classy bearing. Paul will always be "all-city" in my mind. SFP led by Paul knocked us out of the '62 CHSAA Basketball tournament. SFP led by Paul knocked us out of the '62 CHSAA Baseball tournament. Paul was "The Show" in both. Although it's been 50+ years some things are never forgotten. Although we had many mutual friends between us, I'm sorry I only got to know Paul as a competitor. I think we would have been good friends. RIP Paul. Sincerely, Eddie Ryan (Brooklyn Prep '62) Charlotte, NC

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.