Paul Machlin

Paul J. Machlin, 57, of Ellis Hollow Creek Rd., Ithaca, NY, died unexpectedly at work at TST Boces, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 while doing what he loved and where he was uniquely gifted.

Paul was known for his kind and warm personality and his compassionate work with special-needs children in the Ithaca City School District, especially at Caroline Elementary School, Dewitt Middle School and Lehman Alternative Community School. Paul graduated from Towson State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1983.

Paul’s natural patience, warmth, empathy and perceptiveness gave him tools that so many others lack. Countless children will have better lives because Paul worked with them directly, at school, at home, and through his work with ACEing Autism, a program teaching connecting children with autism with tennis. Paul also shared his love of Judaism with many students at Congregation Tikkun v’Or’s religious school, where he was a much beloved teacher.

Paul lived a full life of 57 years, but leaves behind his heartbroken wife Lisa and children Noah, Joshua, Julia and Hope, who are grateful for the support of so many kind and loving friends and family members, and are lifted up by the memory of Paul’s joyful personality and other gifts of his precious soul. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Ruth Machlin. Paul is also survived by his brothers Steven and Marc Machlin, his uncle and aunts Stan and Mickey Machlin and Marianne Baldinger, as well as his many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Paul’s body was laid to rest at Greensprings Natural Cemetery, amongst beauty and nature, where his family and friends will be able to derive peace and comfort from his untimely death and the knowledge that while his spirit lives on through the lives of those he touched, his body also is in a beautiful and peaceful place.

Contributions in his memory may be made to ACEing Autism or the charity of your choice that reflects his spirit.