Obituaries

Paul B. Hentz

December 28, 2024

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.

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Condolences to the Family

January 04, 2025

My deepest sympathy to Paul’s loving family. Our class has just lost another great one.
Sandy Smith Bankert

January 03, 2025

Loving thoughts to his family. Quite a remarkable man.
Joann Hockensmith

January 03, 2025

Dearest JoAnn and family
Craig and I are so very sorry for this loss. You have both been great friends and neighbors since our arrival from Maryland 10 years ago. We will miss Paul’s great sense of humor but we will continue to cherish your friendship as you go through this difficult time. Love Craig and Nancy Hathaway

January 03, 2025

Dear JoAnn,
It was always good to have Paul as part of the team when working on Democratic Club activities. May happy memories help allay the sadness of his passing.
Sincere condolences, Elisabeth Smoot

January 03, 2025

Dear Mrs. Hentz and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Hentz’s passing. I always enjoyed his classes at HPSD and how he made computer classes fun. He encouraged my creativity in many ways, especially through working with him during morning announcements. I will remember him fondly. Wishing you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Natalie Temple Reynolds, HPSD Class of 2008

January 03, 2025

My sincere sympathies, Paul and I were classmates and friends in college. Paul’s political savvy helped me win a campaign for the college Senate. I was the underdog when the campaign began. It was good to read all the good he did in his lifetime.
David Barner

January 03, 2025

JoAnn and family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. May all of your beautiful memories carry you through this difficult time. Deb Dillman, ENVISIONS

January 02, 2025

Dear JoAnn,
Paul will be sadly missed by our entire graduating class of EHS. He is known to be a trusting friend with a sense of humor; and honored for his lifetime dedication to the field of education. He was responsible for initially designing our class database so that we could stay in touch and not miss anyone. I have had so many responses to his passing from the class that I will share with you since we did not have access to his obituary until today. i am so sorry that I cannot physically be with you on Saturday, but please know my spiritual thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. My warmest condolences to you and the family.
Janet Cutsail

January 02, 2025

Dear JoAnn,
Paul will be missed by so many. He was helpful to me and I did enjoy his wit. My sincere condolences. Molly

January 01, 2025

Paul was always there when someone or a campaign needed him. It will be hard to imagine events without that “quirky” sense of humor and helpful advice! Honored to be his friend, Lois Herr

Visitation: Saturday, January 04, 2025; 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
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Services: Saturday, January 04, 2025; 10:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >