Paul Michael Lonsdorf, age 70, passed away peacefully at home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on April 19, 2025, surrounded by his family. 

Born on November 14, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, Paul was the eldest child of Paul and Nancy Lonsdorf. He grew up in Hillsborough, NJ, where he played guitar at church, earned top grades, and developed the sharp wit that would become his trademark.

He graduated from Rutgers University in 1977 and went on to build a successful career in technology sales, a path that took him to places as far-flung as Egypt, Japan, and Jakarta. Paul spent the first half of his life in the northeast split between New Jersey and New Hampshire. He eventually made his way to Texas where he would establish deep roots and stay most of his life. Years later, he retired briefly in Myrtle Beach but remained a Texan at heart. 

He was fiercely loyal and deeply opinionated; he knew his values and lived them. He had a deep respect for veterans, donated blood like clockwork, shoveled snow for elders (in the northeast!), and couldn’t help but support a lemonade stand whenever he passed by one. He was dedicated to his family and his community. He would strike up a conversation with anyone that crossed his path from waiters to grocery store clerks, bringing smiles (via groaners) everywhere he went. 

He was a gifted writer and storyteller. He had a remarkable ability to repeat a good story (or joke) like it was the first time every time. His recall was impressively accurate too. A life-long Jeopardy fan, he dominated trivia night and could present the perfect country lyric for any situation in need of some southern wisdom. Paul loved music—especially pop country in his later years. 
In his earlier years, Paul enjoyed a refined lifestyle. He had the means from his career success, he was highly educated, he was well traveled and cultured. Paul drove luxury vehicles like a BMW (The Beamer!) and a Mercedes with a car phone. He consistently provided his family with two story houses in ideal cul de sacs.  At one point he got an earring just to shake things up.

After moving to Texas in 1998, Paul started to gravitate toward simpler things. He adopted “darlin’” as a standard term of endearment and embraced a new rhythm of life—one that included circling the town with his best friend, Dave Buck. The two New Jerseyans sniffed out the most authentic cheesesteak, charmed a substantial portion of the county’s waitstaff, and created a safe haven for Eagles fans in Cowboy country at their favorite bar Austin Avenue. He would reach for a Budweiser instead of an IPA or a burned CD instead of a streaming service. He loved a good tailgate and would gladly miss the stadium event. He used his restaurant budget for cooking gadgets (a greater grater!) and became quite the home chef. Despite being frugal, he was incredibly generous in spirit, routinely offering to help friends and family whenever they needed it. 
Paul is survived by his wife of 48 years, Debbie, his son, Brian Lonsdorf (Mimi); his daughter, Tracy Weathers (Dan); and his grandchildren, Theo (Andrew), Vera, and Odette. He is also survived by his siblings—John (the late Lyn), Linda (Jim), Jim (Sue), Richard (Wendy) and Kevin (Paula)—and a wide circle of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, whose values of hard work and strong opinions he carried forward throughout his life. 
Paul will be remembered for his storytelling, his one-liners, and his unwavering loyalty to the people and things he loved—including his family, his country, his beloved Philadelphia Eagles, and anyone playing against the Cowboys. He had a few favorite sayings, but none more telling than, “Let not your heart be troubled”, “It’ll all land jelly-side up” and “You’ll never see a hearse with a luggage rack.” 
The family invites friends and loved ones to join in sharing memories and laughter in Paul’s honor. A celebration of life will be held on May 10, from 11-3, at the Stone Tavern (1288 US Route 22, Bridgewater, NJ 08807). Casual dress. Eagles attire is welcomed but not required. Paul loved to reminisce through photos.  Feel free to bring any you have and want to share. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) is serving the family.