Paul Frank DeLaurentis, Sr.

Paul Frank DeLaurentis, 70, of Escondido, CA passed away peacefully on February 27th, 2015 at 3:04pm — after a 14-month battle with mesothelioma, with his family by his side. He lives on in the heart of his wife of 38 years, Nancy; his children Dana and Paul Jr. (fiancée Andrea), his grandson Avry; his extended family, and his dear friends who were his chosen family. Paul was born in White Plains, NY, in 1944 to Anthony and Irene (Pili) DeLaurentis. He was the youngest of five brothers; Dominic, Rudolph, Giulio, and John — all of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Hudson High School in 1963, and was accepted into Cornell University in New York, but was unable to attend due to family business obligations. Paul was part owner and operator of Anthony DeLaurentis and Sons Inc. (also known as Bryant Farms) in Hudson, NY from 1963 — 1990. He was the 1st two-term president of the New York Horticultural Society, and served as a member of Mario Cuomo's Agriculture 2000 Committee. He was also the owner and sole proprietor of a successful landscaping business after moving to California in 1990. Some of his favorite things (in no particular order) included: playing with his grandson Avry, reading, playing golf, hot dogs, history, horticulture, his wife Nancy (and her cooking), college sports, heated political discussions, and his daughter's golden retriever Bailey. Before his passing, Paul gave specific instructions asking everyone to celebrate his life by raising and taking a shot (or two, or three) of Jameson, in his honor. He was also known to read the local obituaries every day to ensure he wasn't in them. (I'm sorry, Dad, but today is your day — we hope we did you justice.) He'd always say we'd miss him when he was gone, and there were never truer words spoken. He was truly a legend. Dad, we will miss you the same way we loved you, with every fiber of our being. In lieu of flowers, the DeLaurentis family asks that you consider alternative ways to honor Paul: --Donate to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation --Support ECCHO in the continued battle to preserve the green space initiative in Escondido, CA --Schedule your annual physical and get screened for cancer --Plant and tend to your spring garden --Get outside and play 18 holes The family will be holding a Celebration of Life gathering to honor Paul on Friday, April 17th at 6pm - 9pm at 1700 Woodland Heights Glen Road (Emerald Heights) in Escondido, CA.

Paul Frank DeLaurentis, Sr.

October 21, 1944 - February 27, 2015