The retail baking industry has lost one of its biggest advocates. Paul Sapienza was dedicated to making the retail bakery a successful business venture that would be a vital part of its local community. Along the way he realized that mission was the same for many family owned and Main street shops as well. He championed local economic development and worked tirelessly to improve his community. Spiritually, he was a devout member of St Boniface parish serving in a variety of roles. Above all was his love of family. Roseanne is his soulmate having first met in grade school. Dawn, Melissa, and Andrew have always felt loved. We mourn with them during this time of extreme sorrow.

     Paul and my careers were intertwined. We came from the same background. We were the same age. We both grew up on the border of New York City; me on the city side, Paul on the Nassau side. Each of us attended a boys only Catholic high school and attended college. We were both drawn into the family bakery; me upon graduation, Paul actually a year before graduation. Because of family relationships, I joined the Nassau, Suffolk Bakers Association. Paul joined because he wanted to network (a word not used back then) to network with his peers.

     We were a professional twosome from that point on. We served on the board together. He was vice-president to my presidency in Nassau, Suffolk and also the New York State Bakers Association. He was an executive director of The Retail Bakers of America during my presidency of that organization. Through all the years he was a source of support and consul. During some tough times with difficult decisions to make, Paul would always provide a clear analysis and moreover; prevent me from going down an emotional rabbit hole. He was always dignified, calm and poised. We had so many frequent phone calls that his staff knew my voice. If Roseanne answered the phone:" Hello Mr. Reinwald, Yes Paul is in." Once she added "If you were female, I would accuse you of having an affair!"

     Paul always answered the same; in a distinctive "Hal-low Rich." Then we would be on the phone for a while. Our talks extended far beyond the problem at hand. We often discussed future trends in the industry and life in general. Our sons were born within weeks of each other and they often entered into the conversation. Paul would joke that the eruption of Mount St. Helens while they were in the womb had a lasting effect on their lives.

     Understanding the importance of the local economy, Paul became very involved with the Elmont Chamber of Commerce. Twice he served as its president. I often saw him on the News extolling local initiatives. He always did so very eloquently. Paul worked very closely with the Belmont Racetrack Development organization; always making sure Elmont was well represented at their events.

     Just last week I heard the Hal-low Rich for a five minute chat that lasted forty-five minutes. As usual my more pessimistic views were tempered by Paul's positive. Boy, I wish that wasn't the last time I heard that Hal-low Rich.

     Speaking with friends of Paul, they commented that Paul was a great man. I replied, "No he wasn't a great man, he was a good man." They couldn't understand how I could say that. My thought is that many a great man is not a good man; but a good man never worries about being great. That was Paul. He was kind, thoughtful, compassionate, dignified and respected. He gave countless hours to improve the life of others. He never sought accolades or praise. He was a good man. I will miss him terribly.