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[ In Memoriam ]

Paul D. Fisher Paul E. Hite
1965 – 2024 1936 – 2024
Paul Douglas Fisher, age 59, of Allendale, NJ Paul E. Hite passed away on Thursday,
passed away on August 29, 2024 at home September 12, 2024, just two days shy of his
surrounded by his family. 88th birthday, leaving behind a legacy as grand
as his unfillable work boots. He led a life as big
Paul is survived by his wife, Linda Fisher and his as footprints, and those of us who loved him (and there are many)
beloved children Katherine and Henry Fisher. will miss him forever.
His father and stepmother, Fredrick and Marcia
Born September 14, 1936, in rural Virginia, Paul was no stranger
Fisher. His aunt and uncle, Paula and Derek to poverty, but poverty was no match for him. If stuffing his shoes
Nee. He is predeceased by his mother, Theresa with newspaper helped him get to school, then that’s what he would
Beverly Russell. He also leaves behind many do. If leaving school would help support his family, then he’d do
beloved in-laws and extended family members. that. However, more significant than his humble beginnings was the
Paul was born in Teaneck, NJ on March 25, 1965. He grew up in profound impact that the land he walked upon had on his soul.
Wyckoff, NJ and graduated from Ramapo High School in Franklin A passionate, hard-working land planner and surveyor, Paul’s first
Lakes NJ in 1983. He went on to study Sociology at Ramapo College official job (and no small feat) was surveying the Chesapeake Bay
and was the Business Manager of the college radio station, WRPR Bridge job at age 19. He would establish his firm, “Paul E. Hite,
90.3. It was there that he met Linda, his loving wife of 28 years who Licensed Land Surveyor,” in 1969. His Delaware Ave. office was
he married on October 5, 1996. not just a workplace but a spot for his family, friends, and clients to
gather, guffaw, and visit the gentle giant who poured his heart into
Paul was a Principal and Vice President at Langan Engineering where his business.
he was employed since 1997. His responsibilities included oversight
But he was passionate about many things throughout his life: an avid
of the Survey Office for the New York Metro area and management of
golfer, crossword puzzler, fisherman, vegetable gardener, motorcyclist,
the overall survey group with the executive team. He was a Licensed and scratch-off aficionado (when not at work, you could generally
Professional Land Surveyor in both NY and CT. find him at his favorite hangout, “Stewart’s” down the street), Paul
Paul was passionate about music and known for his skill as a guitar could also spin a yarn or tell a joke (he had hundreds) that could
rival Mark Twain. His laugh was contagious, even if his jokes could
player. He loved playing music with his friends and enjoyed his
involvement in bands such as The Selves, Gearhead, The Clawbacks, sometimes make you groan.
The Pedestrians and several more. Anyone who knew Paul would Paul leaves behind a motley crew of loved ones: Janice Hite, his wife of
23 years; his children, Sherie (Gary) Mitchell, Ladena (Chris) Spruill,
describe him as a funny, kind and lighthearted person. He was always
able to bring a smile and laugh to someone’s face and his quick wit, Paula (John) Gurniak, Charles (Nancy) Hite, Rhonda (Steve) Van De
Wal, Paul Eugene Hite, Jr. (deceased), Deborah Vallet, Susannah Vallet,
warm smile and ability to listen were treasured by all who knew him.
Jodi (Richard) Rogers; his grandchildren: Erica Van De Wal, Graham
A cremation was held privately. Memorial services were held at Van De Wal, Keira (Dan) McDonald, and Emily, Rebecca, and Sophia
Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff NJ on September 6, 2024. Rogers; great-grandchildren, Quinn Ward, Lydia Van De Wal, Eiley
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Van De Wal, and Charlie Quinn McDonald; Paul is also survived by
Action Network at pancan.org/give. his siblings, William Joseph, Sandra Dawn, and Stanley Lewis, and is
predeceased by Mary Ann, Kenneth Ray, and Patricia Lynn.
Paul’s legacy is as immense as the life he led, and his work boots are
indeed unfillable. His memory will forever be cherished by those who
had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Services were held on September 12th at the Durant Funeral Home,
in Delmar, NY. Interment followed at the Bethlehem Cemetery.

10 EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 60 • NO 6 / 2024 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER