Richie Innamorato’s Tribute to Paul Seltzer

This is very difficult to write.  But Barry Aronowsky has informed me that Paul Seltzer has sadly passed away.  He succumbed to an accelerated form of cancer.  I believe he was 69. 

Paul resided in Dix Hills and was an integral part of a dental practice in Nesconset.  He developed in being a root canal specialist.  On the surface, Paul may have seemed quiet and unassuming and displayed a bookish demeanor.  But he also was affable, kind-hearted and selfless.  And Paul also was a person of incredible passion.  He was devoted to his family and  loved his work.  I would remark to him how lucky he was to be involved in a career he enjoyed.   He also relished his activities and hobbies

Paul was recruited to the ultra scene by Barry Aronowsky and would become part of the weekend runs in Sunken Meadow Park.  Soon Paul would be running in BUS and GLIRC ultras, but I think his longest effort was the Bull Run 50-Mile in Virginia.    Paul was a long standing BUS Member for over two decades.  He was always generous to the ultra cause with his checkbook and his time.  He also was an ultra participant in other sports.  He was a long distance cyclist and an “open water” swimmer.  Paul would compete in a multisport event in the Catskill Mountains for several years.  And Paul also has endured a variety of open water swims in our area.  One was from Governors Island to South Street Seaport.  He also climbed the Empire State Building.

But more important were the experiences he would share with others.  He loved being around people, especially ultra athletes.  He not only enjoyed their quirky nature but also was accepting of that eccentricity .  Paul would always let you be you.  He made many good friends in the running community.  People like Helma Clavin, Paul Cooper, Vinny Croce, Amy Goldstein,  Nick Palazzo, Mike Polansky and Greg Taha just to name a few.  But especially “Coop” with his wonderful sense of humor would zing Paul regarding his dental activities.  Paul always would laugh and so would we.  The two Pauls’ had a very special bond.

He was such a giving soul.  For over a decade, Paul singlehandedly took care of his uncle on a weekly basis.  His uncle would become a centenarian.  And one particular time, I had a major tooth issue just before conducting the NY Pioneer 3-Day Trek during one Labor Day Weekend.  Paul took care of my situation immediately and would refuse compensation.  He mentioned how much he appreciated all these years that my friend John Pier got him into the NYC Marathon and the Empire State Run-up.  He then said the dental work was least “he could do”.

My heartfelt condolences to his wife Lisa and children Rachel and Jared and extend family.   A cousin and also a dentist introduced Lisa and Paul.  And Jared has followed Paul footsteps into the profession.  God bless them all.

I wish you would have known him.  And I wish I would have known him better.  One rare occasions, we encounter goodness among us.  Paul was that rarity.  May he rest in peace and will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,

Richie