Paul B. Hentz, 78, of Lancaster, passed away on December 28, 2024 at Lancaster General Hospital.

Born in Franklin County to Lona M. Black Hentz and Walter W. Hentz. He was the loving husband of JoAnn B. Hentz. He passed away two days short of their 31st wedding anniversary.

Raised in Hanover, PA, Paul was a member of the Eichelberger High School Class of 1964 and remained active in the Alumni Association. After graduation from Shippensburg University, he began his 38-year career with the Hanover Public School District. In addition to his teaching assignments in special education, Paul computerized the district child accounting system, introduced the first computer classrooms, and was recognized as York County Teacher of the Year in 2002 for his innovative computer curriculum. As chair for the National Education Association Caucus for Educators of Exceptional Children, Paul testified before Congress and was influential in shaping current law and practices in Special Education. In 1990, Paul was appointed to the first Pennsylvania Standards and Practices Commission where he led the committee to establish the Code of Ethics for Educators.

In retirement, Paul dedicated his energy to strengthening the Lancaster County and Manheim Township Democratic Committees by establishing a web presence, computerizing voting data, developing campaign strategies and serving as a campaign coordinator for numerous campaigns. He shared the award of Democrat of the Year with the Technology Team in 2007 and was recognized again in 2011 for his campaign leadership.

Paul was known for his quirky sense of humor and had a story for everything, though sorting out the kernels of truth was sometimes challenging.

Paul is survived by his wife, JoAnn B. Hentz; his son, Kevin (Barbara) Hentz; his grandson, Justin Hentz; and he was Smiley to his daughter, Allison (Joel) Noecker.

Friends and family will be received from 9am to 10am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A Celebration of Life will follow beginning at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to a charity of your choosing.