Paul Howard Rothepassed away at his home on February 22, 2023, with his wife by his side. Paul had been born October 11, 1947 to Howard Rothe and Marjorie (Seale) Rothe, in Manhattan, New York.

Due to his mother's illness, Paul was raised primarily by his father and first cousin, Patricia Held. They lived in a hotel in Manhattan, where as a child Paul would shine shoes for fun in the lobby, under the watchfulness of the doorman. Paul said his tips were huge. Paul studied one year in a convent, taught by the nuns. He attended a military school at 10, and was a sergeant.

Paul attended West Haven High School, in West Haven, CT until he graduated at age 16. He immediately entered Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. While at RPI he paid his expenses by managing an A&W Root Beer stand. Paul played college hockey for RPI. He served as the chair of the RPI Strategic Advisory Council, and the committee that defined the mechanical engineering PhD curriculum, until 2020. Paul is nominated for the RPI Hall of Fame 2024.

Paul was Baptized on November II, 1947 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City. While in New York, in 1989, Paul was ordained into the Priesthood according to the Order of Melchizedek.

Paul earned his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1969.

He took a year off to be employed by Bell Telephone Laboratories 1968 to 1970 in exchange for educational funding.

While at Bell Telephone he designed an electronic cabinet thermal management system.

Paul returned to Stanford University, and completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in the flow of fluids and gasses, in 1973. While at Stanford, Paul played Football, Hockey, and Tennis.

Upon completion of his PhD, Paul moved to New Hampshire and began his employment at Creare, an advanced Research and Development firm, in 1973. He remained employed by Creare, eventually assuming presidency of the company. Paul retired December 31, 2010.

Among prominent works in the public domain, Paul supported the shutdown of the three Mile Island nuclear reactor and the U.S. industry response following the Bhopal disaster. As an executive he oversaw his firm's response to the loop and seal redesign following the Challenger space shuttle disaster and supply of a cryocooler for the Hubble space telescope so as to help restore its vision. He participated in government review groups, and served as expert witness in four cases at the billion dollar level. Paul also collaborated with a local astronaut/MD on the use of hyperbaric oxygen.

Paul's awards include: National Science Foundation Fellow, Stanford University, 1970-1973; Research Associate Bell Telephone Laboratories,1968-1969; Associate Editor ASME J. of Fluids Engineering; Chairman, Fluid Transients Committee ASMEI FED; Program Manager AIChE Design Institute for Multiphase Processing; Chairman, Unsteady Flow forum of ASME.

Paul was member of many professional groups and sat on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. His research into flow mechanics led to discoveries that resulted in improved safety protocols for nuclear power plants.

He was active in his community and was on the board of directors of the League of New Hampshire Craftsman. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Paul balanced his work life with his private and family lives well. He was an avid tennis player and captain of his tennis team. He was a skilled dancer, and danced almost weekly. He loved camping, hiking, and canoeing. Paul was actively involved in dog rescue. and did volunteer transports, home checks, and fundraising. He supported Northern Stage and attended regularly. Paul was a target shooter and took classes. Paul was an unbeatable Chess player and was also well known for solving his Rubik's cube with surprising speed. He enjoyed drum playing. He was proud of the '57 Chevy Bel Air and loved showing it and collecting trophies.

Paul was a delightfully fun person who loved to dress up and party. He frequently wore a tuxedo and adored the color purple. He sometimes sported an opera cape and patent leather dance shoes. He appreciated the arts. He had wit and humor. Paul believed in romance and was happiest when married. Despite the untimely death of two wives, Paul's heart remained open, to love and many again.

Paul is survived by his wife Priscilla Rothe, daughter Aimee Khatib, grandchildren Amber and Kiran Khatib, and step-sons Christopher (wife Megan) and Jamieson Tall, his granddaughter Grace. Paul is also survived by his nephew Clint (wife Amy) Aurelio, grand nephew Wesley Aurelio, and cousins Allen (wife Rae) Held and Howard (wife Vickie) Held.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wives: Kathleen Rothe and Cary Rothe; son-in-law Shakir Khatib, and cousin Patricia Held. Paul's son, Jason, recently passed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 15th, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hanover, NH beginning at 11am with a celebration reception. with refreshments, immediately following. A burial will follow at 2pm in the Pine Knoll Cemetery in Hanover. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180.

The Rand-Wilson Funeral Home in Hanover is assisting the family.