Adored husband, father, and grandfather, Paul Allan Lankau left his wonderful life here on earth to be in Heaven with so many he loved on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the age of 83. True to his Irish roots, he refused to leave on St. Patrick's Day.

Paul spent a fun-filled, adventurous childhood in Nanuet, NY as the son of Charles Arthur Lankau and Margaret Fee. He was born on November 12, 1940 in Nyack, NY at Nyack Hospital. He always spoke fondly of his Nanuet neighbors and how much fun the group of friends had during those early years. He attended Nanuet Elementary School and Nyack High School, where he played football and began his love affair with that sport. After high school graduation, Paul left for small Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY (now a major academic institute). He began a major in accounting to please his father, but after one year, he knew that was not his life's calling. Graduating in 1962 with a major in Physical Education, Paul packed up his growing family and headed to Nyack, NY. Paul's family now included his wife, Judith Lampman Lankau, and a newborn son, Paul Allan Lankau, Jr. At a princely salary of $3,500 a year, Paul joined the Nyack Public School as a physical education teacher at Valley Cottage elementary school. And for the next 32 years, Paul called Nyack Schools his home base.

During these years, two other special additions were added to Paul's family, daughters Kelly Jean and Kristyn Marie.

Few people have been as instrumental to the success of Nyack Athletics as Paul Lankau. As a Coach and an Athletic Director, he contributed to Nyack sports over the course of 35 years. Paul taught at Valley Cottage Elementary from 1963 to 1968. While at VCE, he also coached at the High School. Lankau was an Assistant Football Coach under Head Coach John Beake. He also coached the Wrestling and Track teams. In 1968, he became a P.E. teacher at the High School, and also became the Head Football Coach. During his football tenure, his team won the League Championship in 1969 and 1970.

Not one to rest on his laurels, in 1974, Lankau was granted a sabbatical to attend Penn State to get his Master's Degree in Educational Administration. While there, he served as an Assistant Football Coach under the legendary Joe Paterno. Paul worked mostly with the linebackers, including Nyack's Steve Wanamaker. The following year, Lankau returned to NHS, continuing to work as a P.E. teacher. In addition, he began coaching the Golf team. In 1978, Paul was named Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, a position he held until his retirement in 1997.

Paul played a significant role in planning the athletic facilities at the new Nyack High School on Christian Herald Road. Lankau supported equality for girls in Phys. Ed. and sports, implementing Title 9 mandates for co-ed P.E. classes and promoting girls' athletic teams. He also fought for salary equality for Nyack coaches. In the early 1990s, Paul was named Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year.
Upon retiring, you could find Paul in Sag Harbor, NY where his mother and grandparents were born. Paul spent many a summer as a young boy in Sag Harbor and loved being there full-time upon retiring. Tending to his rose garden or out fishing on his Irish Ayes boat, there wasn't a day he didn't live to the fullest.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Judith Lampman; his son Paul Allan (Carson) Lankau, Jr. and his daughters Kelly Lankau (Timothy) Watts and Kristyn Lankau (William) Velazquez. He also survived by seven of the most precious and special grandchildren: Savannah Leigh Watts, Devin Nicole Watts, Sean Christopher Toole, Shane Timothy Watts, Bradley Paul Toole, Lindsay Catherine Lankau and William Luke Velazquez.  He is also survived by his sister, Grace (Charles) Leo, Peter (Sharon) Lankau.

His kindness, caring and genuineness will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends and fellow Nyackers. "He was such a nice man." (Karen Pesner)

Donations in his memory may be made to his very favorite charity: In Jordan's Honor, Ltd. 133 Harbor Watch Court, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 or online if easier: www.injordanshonor.com/donations

There will be a private viewing for the family at the Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral home in Stuart, Fl. Paul will be buried at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery where his parents and grandfather are buried.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Paul's Life in Nyack, NY in the fall. Details to be shared later.