“We’re here to celebrate and to thank a remarkable human whose singular vision, care, and love breathed life into our amazing school.”
– Tom Taylor, Head of Paideia School
A Note from the Bianchi Family
Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from the Paideia community since we lost our dad on May 10, 2025. This community, the one he loved so much, carried us through the early disorienting weeks. You laughed with us, cried with us, and shared stories and meals.
You have also written us beautiful letters, emails, and social media posts— tributes from students, teachers, and parents, some from the early Paideia days and others still at the school today. We created this page to share some of those reflections. We have also included clips from the memorial service at Symphony Hall—on the same stage where he stood for decades, honoring each new Paideia graduate.
As we continue to mourn his loss, we know that Dad would want us to remember how lucky he was to be part of this community. When he and Mom retired, he wrote:“Our lives at Paideia have given us more than any two people deserve.” As usual, we couldn’t have said it better.
With gratitude,
Melissa ’88, Sarah ’91, and Emily Bianchi ’97
The Memorial Service
On May 16, 2025, the Paideia community joined together at Symphony Hall to remember and honor the life of Paul Bianchi.
“Outside of my immediate family, including my own father who passed away when I was 11, there is probably no single person who has shaped the course of my life and helped to mold my character and my values more than Paul Bianchi. While I’d like to think that our relationship was one of mutual affection and respect, I have been struck the past few days thinking about - marveling about - how, from his side, it was NOT unique. It’s astounding how many other people could say the same thing — that your dad was a singularly important influence in their lives. A teacher, a mentor, an advisor, a confidant, an intellectual sparring partner, a friend, and so much more.”
— Charles Zimmer ’02
Tributes to Paul
Vladimir Kleyman
“I was born far away, in a country that no longer exists. The road my family took to get here closed now. But I was welcomed by Paul's school, by Paul's community, by Paul's country. And I learned, imbibed and absorbed what it means to be an American from my teacher, my mentor, my beloved friend: my Paul Bianchi.”
Vladimir Kleyman '98
Susan Barstow
“It's not easy to say goodbye to someone who has meant so much to me for so long, but the gathering of the Paideia family at Paul's service was such a consolation. We cried, we sang, and we laughed a lot. As we remembered you, we remembered what was important to you, and what remains important to us: curiosity, joy, empathy, humor, love -- and not taking ourselves too seriously. Paul, we sure do miss you, but we'll always, always be grateful for the school you loved into being, and for the beautiful education that school provided.”
Susan Barstow ’80, Former Paideia Teacher
Laura Magnanini
“My life changed when I first came into Paul’s office, in my Brooks Brothers suit no less, eager to take a temporary sub position so I wouldn't need to break up with my boyfriend and move to Boston. The boyfriend didn't last, but Paideia did.
Paul taught me how to see people - the complexity of what it means to be human, the importance of seeking out the joy in everything we did, and that all good leadership is vulnerable and deeply personal.
It has been one of the great honors of my life to be your Girl Friday, the Ethel to your Lucy, and the Watson to your Holmes.”
Laura Magnanini, Paideia Assistant Head of School
Muhamet Ajeti
“After leaving Paideia two years ago, Paul and I remained incredibly close. We'd meet almost every weekend, sharing stories, laughter, and advice. Even when he'd be at his New Hampshire home, we'd find time to catch up. His guidance and support meant the world to me, and I'm forever grateful.”
Muhamet Ajeti, Retired Paideia Employee
David Krugler
“I first saw your dad when Leslie made me go to a prospective parent meeting back in 2004. I sat there with my arms crossed, certain it would be a waste of time. There was no way in hell I was about to start paying $XX per year for half day preschool. Like your dad, I attended public schools in Massachusetts and felt my education was as good as you could get. But then Paul started talking. Murdering the King’s English with that fantastic Boston accent I knew so well, he was hypnotizing. The more he talked about the school and its philosophies, and it focus on children and teachers and happiness and service, my arms unfolded, and I began to lean in. When he stopped talking, I was disappointed there wasn’t more. I was suddenly convinced my education was not what it should have been and that we would prioritize our kid’s education at Paideia above all else.”
David Krugler, Current Paideia Parent
Peter and Kelly Richards
“Paul was our friend as well as the best boss we could ever have. Under his direction we felt nurtured, supported, challenged and warmly appreciated (including Peter’s sometimes ill-advised pranks and Kelly’s insistence on a working stove in her classroom) …. We’re so grateful to have been mentored by Paul, to enjoy is goofy humor, and sharp wit, remembering him and all of you with full hearts and much love.”
Peter and Kelly Richards, Former Paideia Teachers and Alumni Parents
Ennis Parker
“In a real sense, I feel like he built in me the best parts of who I am, through his dedication, day in and day out, to the place that did that for me. There are plenty of memories to share….. the presence he had when just to be sent to sit /outside/ his office was punishment enough, the sunny days on the playground when he would sit on the bench under that big tree and laugh and carry on with whatever faculty member was monitoring recess that day, the nights I remember as a kid him coming to parties at our house and finally giving our piano the workout it deserved… and others too. We will miss him so much, but boy, oh boy, I cannot think of a man who better exemplifies the idea of a life well lived and well loved.”
Ennis Parker '95
Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King
“Paul Bianchi was a true visionary, a pioneering educator and a much loved and respected humanitarian who gave generously of his life to help educate Atlanta area children from diverse communities. Indeed, two generations of our family benefitted enormously from his creative educational vision and commitment”
Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, Paideia Alumni Parents
Nancy Doernberg
“Paideia is the school I wish I had gone to, a school that our daughters were always sad to leave at the end of the school year and to which they excitedly returned when the next year started……
I am attaching the last two chapters of Charlotte’s Web, my favorite book. Perhaps they will bring you all some comfort to read them. Your Dad, like Charlotte, was in a class by himself –
“It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer””
Nancy Doernberg, Paideia Alumni Parent
Ben Hebebrand
“The Paideia/Paul Bianchi influence on my life has been huge -- in just two short years of walking barefoot on the woodchips on the then-small size of the campus or participating as a cast member on several Frank Chew theatrical productions or being part of Paul Hayward's math team, I came to life after what had been an incredibly difficult start to my life in the U.S. Paideia did launch me.....into an eventual career as teacher and -- eventually -- as headmaster.”
Ben Hebebrand '80
Beau Jones ‘91
“Paul always believed in me when others had some questions! Other than my father, no other man had a larger impact on me.”
Beau Jones ‘91
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