Paul Eden Pentz

With great sadness we announce the passing of Paul Eden Pentz, 81, of Naples, FL Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving wife, Carolyn, of 57 years, and his adoring family. He was affectionately nicknamed by his daughters as “PEP” for his high energy and zest for life. Formerly of Butler, PA he has been a resident of Naples for 25 years. Paul was born February 16, 1940 in Freeport, Long Island, NY, a son of the late Robert E. and Josephine (Meeker) Pentz. He was raised in Ridgewood, NJ and graduated from Ridgewood High School before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University. His career started with General Foods Corporation followed by various executive positions at Jewel Companies Inc. Paul later joined ServiStar Corporation where he was Chief Executive Officer and with a team was responsible for the merger with True Value Hardware to form TruServ Corporation. The merger of the two became the world's largest wholesaler in the do-it-yourself market. He retired as President and COO in 1998. Mr. Pentz served on the Board of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida for 20 years, six of which were served as Chairman. He provided great leadership as a board member at Quail West Golf and Country Club helping to develop an extensive plan to revitalize and renovate the club. Paul was an avid golfer who also enjoyed playing pickle ball, tennis, bridge, and gin rummy. He was an author, horticulturist, culinary enthusiast, and loved bird watching. Survivors include his beloved wife, Carolyn K. Pentz; loving daughters, Deborah Pentz Baylis of Madison, WI, Karen Pentz Bojak (William) of Lisle, IL and Laurie Pentz Sim (Brian) of San Clemente, CA; grandchildren, Justin Karl Kramer (Jessica), Lauren Baylis Kuykendall (Jon), Taylor Katherine Sim, Maxwell John Lewis, Samuel Loren Lewis, Andrew Paul Sim, Mitchell Paul Lewis, Joseph Frank Bojak, Michael James Bojak, James Michael Bojak, and Christine Marie Bojak; and great grandchildren, Grace Evelyn Kramer, Lucy Boots Kramer, Tyler Jon Kuykendall, Mia Elizabeth Kramer and Jakub Richard Bojak. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert E. Pentz. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For those unable to attend the memorial service in person, it can be viewed online at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to the MS Center of Southwest Florida, 3372 Woods Edge Circle #103, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 or by visiting https://mscenterswfl.org/memorials-in-honor-of-donations/ Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Paul Eden Pentz

February 16, 1940 - April 21, 2021