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Noelle Emerson posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
I've know Paul since I was 5 years old, through my step-dad Brian Morgan. The first time I met him would have been in 1976. He had a garage in North Conway repairing cars. I have so many memories of Paul when I was growing up, it would take a book to tell them all. So I'm going to share the funniest one. I'm guessing I would have been around 9 or ten. We had a New years party at our house. Paul and a bunch of his handicapped ski buddies came and ended up spending the night on our livingroom floor. I stayed upstairs in my parents bedroom so that someone could have my room for the night. Well, we only had one bathroom in the house. To get to it from upstairs, you had to go through the living room. In the middle of the night mom and I woke up and had to go to the bathroom. We get to the livingroom and its wall to wall people. Mom was like, okay well this isn't to bad, we just have to remember who's missing what. It went kind of like this, okay this guy is missing a foot we can step here, this one's missing a leg we can step here, oh shit I can't remember which leg he's missing. Then mom and I got to giggling and we couldn't stop. Unbeknownst to us Paul had woken up and was watching us. He announced that the guy was missing his right leg. Well of course he scared the crap out of us and we both screamed. Needless to say the whole house was awake after that. So at breakfast the next morning, Paul decides to tell the whole story. At this point mom and I want to hide under the table, feeling awful and embarrassed because we made a joke out of missing body parts. They all made sure we knew they were not offended and thought it was hysterical. Paul was my hero as a kid, I think I got to see more of his softer side than most. Maybe thats why his gruff side never scared me, most times it made me giggle. He'd say, 'you think thats funny huh?', And I'd nod, He'd give me a slight smirk. I lost touch with Paul when he went to Colorado. I was growing up and going on my own by then. I would get updates from Brian over the years, which always brought a smile to my heart. I'm not sure if Brian forgot to tell me or I forgot he told me. (Older age Is fun) I happened to think of Paul today, so I googled him. I got the sad news, that he was no longer here with us. My heart is broken. I have so many good memories to keep me from being sad. I'd like to think that part of me is who am today; because of who Paul was in my childhood. I think he would've gotten a kick out of my daughter. She's just like me but not shy like I was. A bit more outspoken as well. Paul was family, even if we drifted a part, he will always be family. Rest in peace my friend, I will see you again one day.
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Kate Rooney posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Paul was one of the most generous people I know. I'm in shock and so sad to finally catch up with this news. The fact that It's 10 months and I'm just finding out is not surprising. That's how it was. We weren't in touch regularly but I always knew he was there. I met Paul through skiing - as many did. A lot of the opportunities in my life have come about because of my involvement and friendship with him. He was gruff and to the point on the surface - but I've never seen him not help someone if he could - and he often helped without making it obvious. Here in NZ we feel lucky that this Bloody COVID thing isn't getting us quite the way it is overseas. It is almost unbelievable to me that it would get someone like Paul. Lots of love and thoughts to you all who were with him near the end. Kate Rooney (NZ)
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Donna DiBello uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
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Sail Away! Sail Away! Dear Brother, you are free and your Universe awaits you! We always look to the stars for your spirit! Love you forever, Peter, Donna & Mark
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Donna DiBello uploaded photo(s)
Monday, June 1, 2020
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Jim Lagerstrom: I heard some sad news tonight. I heard the Paul DeBello passed away today. He was a tough son of a bitch and hard on a lot people but I loved him. He only wanted the best out of everyone and our sport. There will never be anybody like him again. I appreciate everything that he did to help mentor me. May he RIP
JP Wolfenden: Well said Kev. I remember being scared when I first met him. But had huge respect for him as we got to know each other. RIP Paul. Thank you for everything.
Pat Miller: Sad to hear that Kev he ran great in the ski program and love to sail and made mean hot sauce he will be sadly missed
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Allen Bender: Loss for words right now. He was a mean old fart with a heart of gold for sure. We all loved to hate him but deep down inside I really think he did everything he could to make all of us better at what we did. RIP Captain Sponge Foot!!!
Bob Emerson: RIP Paul, As a young man Paul and his entire team had a profound impact on my life he will be sorely missed.
Mary Riddle- Bowmen: his is such sad news. He did amazing things for our sport and will always be remembered for it! He had a soft and caring side and I (luckily) was never on the receiving end of his tough side. Rest in peace, Paul
George Sansonetis: Very sad to hear this, Paul was a great guy who did a lot for the sport . You will be dearly missed Paul.
Greg Mannino: Sadly we are experiencing the loss of great men that changed the sport of disabled skiing- Paul and Jack are skiing the powder together now.. GOD Speed
Tom Savage: He was a huge inspiration to so many through the years. He was intimidating when it was time to get down to it but, in a way that would make individuals find their own strength inside themselves to “step up” and push towards that finish with everything they had. He was also a man of huge heart that gave so much to see others succeed not only in racing but, in personal lives. He was a great leader, entrepreneur, and unwavering friend. I have and will always remember him! You’ll never be forgotten Captain Spongefoot!
Sandra D. So sad to hear this news, he gave my 1st chance to ski race & I will never forget him. Will miss you Paul
Cal- Paul was a stubborn fighter who stood up for what mattered most to him. I remember being so intimidated by him and yet also knew he would be in my corner if needed. RIP SpongeFoot
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Tom Savage- He was a huge inspiration to so many through the years. He was intimidating when it was time to get down to it but, in a way that would make individuals find their own strength inside themselves to “step up” and push towards that finish with everything they had. He was also a man of huge heart that gave so much to see others succeed not only in racing but, in personal lives. He was a great leader, entrepreneur, and unwavering friend. I have and will always remember him! You’ll never be forgotten Captain Spongefoot!
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Jim I could have not expressed it any better!!
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Jim Lagerstrom
Thanks coach
Dave Rayder
Jim Lagerstrom
As he always used to say. Where’s my fucking money!!! Lol
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With half of his thumb
That brings back so many memories! He was one of a kind!
Kevin replied to Jim
As he always used to say. Where’s my fucking money!!! Lol
or another one was.Heres the fucking deal..grunt grunt.
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Dave Rayder
Man your killing me. We had some pretty wild time on the road during race days.
I met Paul at his first US Disabled Team training camp, we sat next to each other at the team dinner, looked at each other and said what’s wrong with you? During that week it was my 25th birthday and we were at the YMCA camp ( or something like it) outside of Winter Park, he borrowed a car and we went into town to watch a World Cup race and have a beer. That was the start of a long friendship RIP Paul
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MAY 1, 2020, 2:45 AM
Kathy Poohachof
I met Paul at his first US Disabled Team training camp, we sat next to each other at the team dinner, looked at each other and said what’s wrong with you? During that week it was my 25th birthday and we were at the YMCA camp ( or something like it) outside of Winter Park, he borrowed a car and we went into town to watch a World Cup race and have a beer. That was the start of a long friendship RIP Paul
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Hannah Blossom
I echo all these same comments. Thanks for the information. Very sad news. He was in our corner and believed in the sport. I know I wouldn't have gotten very far without him. RIP DiBello!!!
Ronnie Persson
Paul was the main reason i moved to WP 1999 and came back over and over. I spent 7 seasons in WP and Paul took good Care of me. Sooooooo many fun memories......Dont get me wrong for sure we had some ”roadbumps” but WHO didnt with Paul but he Always gave me tons of respect !!! He did so much for the sport and wanted the best for the Athletes... .R I P
Ronnie Sasaki
Paul had a HUGE impact on my life. I feel like an force in our skiing world has passed. His influence will extend far beyond his life. Having said that-he swore at me and made me cry. And he encouraged me to ski better and become more competitive.
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John Calderhead
Damn. I’ve thought of Paul many times over the years. Tried to look him up but, fittingly, Paul left no trace on the internet. We had some crazy times. The New Year’s Eve/Tubing parties. Driving that huge top-heavy van at 80 MPH and barely missing a deer in the middle of Utah. Remember the blind skier who was faking?! As others have said, he changed my life. He and Danny talked me into taking a chance and moving to Colorado...and I’m still here. Paul helped my find a place to live, took me sailing, and kicked my ass if I needed it. And nothing felt better than knowing that Paul was proud of you. RIP Brother Paul.
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Erik Petersen
As Paul’s predecessor at the NSCD, it has been an honor and a privilege to continue on his work. I have always mentioned the work and accomplishments of Paul and will continue his legacy through this great sport. RIP Paul and Thank you!
Kevin Jardine
Paul hired me as a coach in 1994. At the time, I had no experience coaching athletes with disabilities. He took a chance on me and I have never figured out why. He quickly taught me the similarities and differences from able bodied racing. Without Paul I never would have found the greatest passion of my life. Since then I have coached at six Paralympic Winter Games and am shooting for #7 in China. He was always there to set me straight when I got off the right path. He was such a father figure to so many of us. I unfortunately lost touch with Paul a few years ago but it always made me smile to see his hot sauce in our grocery store. To think that we all were his test dummies to perfect the sauce. RIP Paul
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Ralph Green
So many memories, but the one that stands out the most is the memory of being given an opportunity. An opportunity that was going to take more work and self discipline than I could ever imagine. An opportunity that we all can relate to; creating a legacy. May Paul Rest in Piece.
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Tracy Tabaka
Well said, Ralph. The first time I went into Paul’s office before I moved to WP, I sat there listening to him on the phone with someone while I waited. His gruff voice uttered the phrase that we all remember, “Comp Center, this is Paul.” He proceeded to have a heated conversation with someone, and I was scared out of my mind to actually talk to this guy when he eventually got off the phone. He did scare me that day during our conversation, but after some time spent with him at my first summer camp in Mt. Hood and while enjoying his cooking, I began to see his softer side. He called me at home one year when the MN Wild made it into the playoffs against the Avs, and at that point, I knew I was okay in his book Paul cared deeply about his athletes, and he was the guy who always stood up for what he believed in, no matter what. He certainly had my respect, and I’m sad to hear that he is gone.
Jim Largerstom
aul needs to be remembered and inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame. There are lesser people that have been inducted. He needs our support and should be in there....
Joseph Tomkins
Paul not only made disabled skiing better. He made winter park the best because of some of his visions like disabled athletes be viewed as abled athletes.
He fought for all of us! It was never about himself! Yeah he was a hardass but he made all of us tougher! And better! Not just about skiing I later figured out in life. Because I still use some things he passed on to me in life and in my coaching.He pushed us to be the best us and show us to never give up in life!!! He had good coaches like Danny, Bill and Kevin and Allan who also taught us! I’m thankful for all the athletes and coaches I met over the years in WP
GOD BLESS. You all
Rest In Peace coach!
Bruce Warner
Such sad news! It was thanks to a phone conversation, from South Africa, to Paul that I ended up spending ten seasons in Winter Park. Despite the sadness I really enjoyed reading the messages - those were good times! Pleased to hear that things are going so well with the team. Paul's legend lives on.
Dave Rayder
This is such a sad way for all of us to get together but then Paul always had that effect on everybody. Yes he was a hard-ass but in his own way he was a soft guy. Without knowing it he's created a little mini reunions of team members staff and Friends. Once again Paul thanks for being that guy. As expressed by all of us RIP my friend and Brother!
Jim Thweat-
76-84 I lived and trained in Winter Park due to the Program that Paul had put together, and the fun times we had both as team members and friend will live with me forever.
Nick Catanzarite
So sad to hear the news about Paul, overwhelming to read everyone’s comments! Paul was bigger than life, and helped create something that lives on even though he’s gone. I feel lucky to have shared time with him on the water and on the snow. And, to have been part of an amazing group of people at the comp center while he was there.
Jason Lalla
One of those guys that I consider the foundation of the sport. All around bad ass. RIP Paul.
Jim Lagerstrom
I would like to try and organize a virtual way to honor Paul. If there is a way to do this or a moment of silence or a video get together. Please share or help. He deserves this. Please advise
Ashley Hovey
I’m so sad to hear about Paul!! He truly was like a second father to me!! Meeting him at only 10 years old, he helped shape me into the woman I am today!! He was a hard-ass with a heart of gold!! My years with him taught me so much not just about skiing but life!! RIP Paul!!
Paul Martin
Cheers to Captain Spongefoot. In 1995 I drove from New Jersey to Granby straight to his place on the lake. He was essentially the first person I met in Colorado. Like all of you, what an impression he made on me! Whether it was a compliment or a critique, straight to the point, never sugarcoated and you always knew he had the team’s and your best interest in mind. One of the biggest compliments he ever gave me was setting me up with a sponsor who wanted “a certain type of athlete”. At a race in Breck, he grabbed me by the race bib chewed me out in front a crowd for dropping an F-bomb and throwing a broken downhill ski after a crash. Years later, when I was living in Boulder, he saw me riding my bike, pulled over and that was probably the biggest smile I had ever seen in his face, just happy to see me. Over the years, that smile is truly the memory I’ve had of him. Peace out Paul.
John Weiland
hanks Jim for getting this group together. It was certainly with heavy heart for me to get in touch when I saw you were on line. I had not even processed what I had heard only moments before. I met Paul in passing very soon after he arrived in WP. I earned my stripes working with him developing and producing all the print matter of the 1990 WP World's where I started to meet a bunch of the rest of you athletes. I saw fire and rain along with the rest of you but got to bask in some of the best days of my life traveling with the team and photographing your achievements.
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Roanne Kuenzler
Hi Everyone: I changed the name of the group.
I spent many hours w/Paul at the Life Care Center of Aurora from the time I found him last September, when pneumonia almost killed him, until February when I came to Scottsdale to work spring training.
We laughed and cried together, talked a lot, watched quite a few episodes of Naked and Afraid, talked about the fucking moron in the WH, old times, bad times, but most of all many good times. We talked about many of you, some I know and some I don’t know yet.
Although he hated living at the Aurora Center, he was safe and cared for. I told him he had other options; that he didn’t have to live there forever, just for now. I told him to suck it up buttercup.
Whenever Paul gave me shit, I told him to fuck off. I told him that a lot over the years. He often said the same thing to me. Then we’d usually laugh.
We were always honest with each other. And that’s how we remained friends for more than 36 years, whether we talked, or didn’t. Whether we saw each other, or didn’t.
He was in a really good place when I left him in February. My shoulder surgeon/god was going to fix his right shoulder and try to fix his left one once the virus retreated enough for elective surgeries to resume.
He was stocked up on cookies and maple syrup and soda.
He and Jack talked about him making sauce again, not physically, hands-on, but as the boss.
His hands were bad, from the frostbite and arthritis, more like clubs. But he was adapting slowly but surely. Even to using a wheelchair. He bitched about having to use a fucking wheelchair. Even after knowing me for so many years. I asked him if it made any difference to him that I used one. He said no. DUH!! What a fucking idiot!
I talked to him on Thursday 4/23 for 30 or 40 minutes. He was weak and not eating or drinking enough. None of you will be surprised to know that Paul was frequently a “non-compliant patient.”
Looking back, knowing that the virus had been in the Aurora Center for some weeks/months (???) I think it had found him. The test results are not back, but I would bet yes.
I told him in my bossy way that he needed to eat and that I would call him the next day or so. I told him I loved him. He told me he loved me, too, and we hung up.
I talked to him briefly on Friday 4/24 but he was sleeping and didn’t want to talk. I told him to call me later, we said we loved each other, then hung up.
The PA at the Aurora Center called me last Wednesday morning. Paul was in bad shape, had not been eating or drinking, and although his eyes were open he was unresponsive, and they thought he would die that day.
Although a no-visitor policy had been in place for more than a month, because he was dying I could come to be with him if I wanted to. I told them I was still in AZ, but that I would call Jack Buchheister in Winter Park.
Jack was also unable to get there that afternoon, but another friend of Paul’s, Dana Moore, was able to be with him for awhile that afternoon. She called me at 3:13pm and told me she thought Paul had known she was there with him.
Jack called me at 7:16pm to tell me Paul had died.
I don’t journal, but that afternoon I had written, “Paul is dying, and I’m not there. He’s alone but I hope he knows I’m with him in his heart. I am reaching across the miles, trying to let him know. I feel so helpless.”
I had talked to Paul’s sister Donna that morning and she had alerted his brothers and his daughter. So all of us were thinking about him, sending him our love.
Paul had a team of us on his side. Jack, Dana, John Weiland, me. And Paul had charmed many of the people caring for him at the Center.
Most importantly, he had reconnected with his brothers Pete and Mark, his sister Donna, his daughter Heidi. They’d all had some good talks with him in recent weeks.
And a few years ago Paul met his grand-daughters Mia and Kylie. He thought Kylie could turn out to be a sailor if she was interested, and if he was the one to teach her.
He had pushed so many people away for so many years, but he had finally let us in.
A month or so ago his long-time friend and orthotist Ron Englander made him his first new legs in many years. Paul said they were the best legs he’d ever had. They needed a few adjustments, but he was really looking forward to PT after he had his first shoulder surgery, to walking a lot around the Center, and getting strong again.
In the end he was a lucky man and was looking forward with fairly-frequent optimism (a big thing for the grumpy old bear we all knew and loved) ... until the virus.
I knew when I heard the virus was killing people in the Life Care Center in Washington State that if it got into the Aurora Center that it could get Paul.
Although he was so strong, so tough, such a badass, and had fought so hard, in good ways and bad, for so many years, through so much, and was doing so well, he was extremely vulnerable.
When the medical experts were saying to take your loved ones home if you could, I VERY briefly thought about going back to Denver and taking him to my loft in LoDo. What a clusterfuck that would have been. And although I’m not as vulnerable as Paul was, I am vulnerable. And this virus is not going to kill me. I’m only 66, and I have a lot of living to do. Just like Paul, who was only 69, did. And I know that’s what Paul wanted me to do.
But the virus got him.
And there was nothing I or Jack or Dana or John or Ron or his siblings or his daughter or his granddaughters could do to stop it. And it got him and took him from all of us, quickly and too soon.
And I’m pissed.
But we’re still alive, and Paul would want us to carry on; to eat, drink, and be merry; to ski; to sail; to have fun; to be happy; to live; to love.
To not dwell on what we can’t do, but to continue to do what we CAN do and to enjoy doing it.
to love each other like we loved Paul, like he loved us.
I believe in a few months we’ll be able to convene in groups again and meet in the mountains in Grand County, at Grand Lake or Lake Granby (somewhere wheel-chair accessible) and celebrate Paul’s life ... and how much he added to our lives.
Maybe we’ll drop some of his ashes in Lake Granby. Maybe Heidi and her daughters can drop some in a lake in New Hampshire and/or in the Atlantic Ocean. Whatever Heidi decides. Paul is in her hands now. But we’re all here if she needs us.
Please add others to this group; call me if you want to talk about Paul. My # is 303.947.5337.
I look forward to seeing many of you soon. In the meantime, rest in peace Paul Anthony DiBello, Captain Spongefoot, my friend. I love you.
Kasey Lynne Hadley
hanks for adding me. It nice to read these messages about Paul and all who knew him and how his life was going these past years and days. I haven't seen him in I don't know how many years. The last time I saw him I had helped him work his sauce booth at a food show here in Salt lake Utah. I am Mark DiBellos granddaughter. I recently had lost my job and was looking for work. He asked me to come help at the booth and he would pay me. He said everyone will stop at our booth with a cute girl standing there . So of course I agreed, I mean I was getting paid to stand there and smile even though that really isn't my style. I still helped out a lot and went home exhausted. Good memories though. When I was a kid I remember we would drive to Colorado to spend Thanksgiving with him. I will cherish those memories forever. I look forward to meeting you all later this year. Rest easy Uncle Paul.
Gigi Dominguez
So sad to hear about Paul. Paul & I worked together at NSCD. He was in charge of the Comp Center & I managed the Rec Program. As you all know Paul could be a bit gruff and not everyone understood him. (Tough on the outside but soft on the inside). We had hired some really nice young girls to work in the program and one by one they all had come to me wondering how in the world they were going to work with Paul and not cry. So I knew I had to go talk to him and let him know. Confronting Paul took guts and I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be. After I boldly said you can not make the girls cry he calmly apologized and he never made them cry again. From that time on Paul & I had a great working relationship. He respected my requests and I always tried to respect his especially when it came to making sure I checked the oil in the green station wagon, a NSCD company car. He loved that car. I have thought of Paul often and have fond memories of our friendship and working with him. Thank you Paul for all you did to develop a comp program at NSCD that was and continues to be second to none. RIP Paul. Your friend & colleague. Gigi
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The family of Paul Anthony DiBello uploaded a photo
Monday, May 18, 2020
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