Paul Hansen Buhl

Paul ‘Poya’ Hansen Buhl of Jupiter, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, at the age of 89, surrounded by family. He was born on March 5, 1936, in Throggs Neck, NY, the third child of Danish immigrant parents Niels and Duzine. He grew up across the street from Askov Hall, a Danish beach club where he developed his love of the saltwater, fishing, and a strong sense of community, surrounded by his ‘bonus family members.’

Paul graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1954, where he had a celebrated career as a champion swimmer. He went on to have a long and accomplished career in construction as a Carpenter General Foreman and Superintendent. His work can be seen throughout New York City in the buildings and roads he helped construct. He embodied an unwavering work ethic, believing that “you owe your employer your best for a day’s pay.” Rising before dawn and putting in long days, he could often be found dozing in his recliner each evening— during his favorite TV shows, which he rarely made it to the end of.

A man of deep values and simple truths, Paul believed in hard work, community, and doing what was right. He had a strong sense of heritage, proud of his Danish roots—evidenced by the name his grandchildren lovingly called him, Bedstafa—but he was American first. While many sons shook their fathers’ hands, Paul believed in hugs.

Though not a man of many words, his love language was food. Like his mother before him, he would often create a wonderful Sunday afternoon dinner, filling the house with its comforting aroma. He started the Buhl family tradition of celebrating each of life’s milestones with Carvel cakes—whether for a graduation, a birthday, or simply the start of summer break. His humor shone through in these celebrations, as the criteria for cake-worthy achievements gradually loosened over the years.

Paul had a strong sense of community and service. In Jupiter River Park, he served on the board, managed the docks for summer rentals, and even in his mid-70s, could be found crawling under the clubhouse to make repairs. He loved the saltwater life—fishing, swimming, sunrises, sailing, and lobstering. While some dad’s taught his kids how to throw a curveball, Paul made sure his children knew how to tie a proper cleat hitch, tack a sailboat, fillet a fish, and how to find all the hidden meat on a lobster.

Later in life, after many years of prayers from loved ones, Paul found faith and fellowship in a men’s Bible study group. Although he was not the one to lead the teaching, he led by his discipleship, as the restaurant they met for so many years had to add more tables to accommodate the guests he brought along. He would love nothing more than for a man reading this to join them at the Hurricane Café in Jupiter on Tuesday mornings at 8AM.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Niels and Duzine Buhl, his sister Elsie ‘Honey’ Madsen, and his brother Howard.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemarie; his children, Donna Buhl, Kathleen Gentile, and Neil Buhl and his wife, Mary Buhl; his grandchildren, Philip Kinford, Ashley Grey, Lindsey Kinford, Andrew Gentile, Justin Gentile, Jamie Logsdon, Madelyn Buhl and Cameron Buhl; and his great-grandchildren, Sydney, Jack, Drew, Margot and George.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Lourdes Noreen-McKeen Nursing Home and TrustBridge Hospice for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paul’s honor to TrustBridge Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at the Jupiter River Park Club House on March 22 at 2PM.