Paul Eden Pentz
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Paul Eden Pentz, 81, of Naples, Fla., Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his loving wife of 57 years, Carolyn, and his adoring family. He was affectionately nicknamed by his daughters as “PEP,” for his high energy and zest for life. He was formerly of Butler and had been a resident of Naples for 25 years.
Paul was born Feb. 16, 1940, in Freeport, Long Island, N.Y., and was a son of the late Robert E. and Josephine (Meeker) Pentz. He was raised in Ridgewood, N.J., and graduated from Ridgewood High School before earning his bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University.
His career started with General Foods Corp., followed by various executive positions at Jewel Companies Inc. Paul later joined ServiStar Corp., where he was chief executive officer and, with a team, was responsible for the merger with True Value Hardware to form TruServ Corp. The merger of the two became the world’s largest wholesaler in the do-it-yourself market. He retired as president and chief operating officer in 1998.
Mr. Pentz served on the board of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida for 20 years, six of which were served as chairman. He provided great leadership as a board member at Quail West Golf and Country Club, helping to develop an extensive plan to revitalize and renovate the club.
Paul was an avid golfer, who also enjoyed playing pickle ball, tennis, bridge and gin rummy. He was an author, horticulturist, culinary enthusiast and loved bird watching.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Carolyn K. Pentz; his loving daughters, Deborah Pentz Baylis of Madison, Wis., Karen Pentz Bojak (William) of Lisle, Ill., and Laurie Pentz Sim (Brian) of San Clemente, Calif.; his grandchildren, Justin Karl Kramer (Jessica), Lauren Baylis Kuykendall (Jon), Taylor Katherine Sim, Maxwell John Lewis, Samuel Loren Lewis, Andrew Paul Sim, Mitchell Paul Lewis, Joseph Frank Bojak, Michael James Bojak, James Michael Bojak and Christine Marie Bojak; and his great-grandchildren, Grace Evelyn Kramer, Lucy Boots Kramer, Tyler Jon Kuykendall, Mia Elizabeth Kramer and Jakub Richard Bojak.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert E. Pentz.
PENTZ — A memorial service to celebrate the life of Paul Eden Pentz, who died Wednesday, April 21, 2021, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, Fla.
For those unable to attend the memorial service in person, it can be viewed online at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail South, Bonita Springs, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to the MS Center of Southwest Florida, 3372 Woods Edge Circle #103, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.
Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.shikanyfuneralhome.com.
