Paul John Zbell, a longtime resident of Pinehurst, N.C., passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025. Paul was born in Torrington, Conn., in 1938 to the late Paul and Catherine (Sterpka) Zbell.
As a youth, Paul worked at the Torrington Country Club, where he developed his lifelong love of golf. After graduating from Torrington High School and a short stint at Bryant University, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for several years until being honorably discharged. After the military, Paul settled in Great Barrington, where he would go on to become the Superintendent at the Egremont Country Club. Spurred by his love of interacting with people, Paul operated a grill station on the course during the summer, where golfers would radio in their orders and then stop in for a chat before continuing their round. Although officially retired when he and his late wife Judy moved to North Carolina, Paul remained connected to the game he loved by continuing to work for several years as a part-time greenskeeper at the world-renowned Pinehurst resort. His quick wit, sense of humor, and deep belly laughs were loved by so many.
Paul was predeceased by the love of his life, Judy, with whom he shared his passion for the game of golf. In addition to Judy, Paul was predeceased by his older brother, Robert.
Paul leaves behind his longtime companion Anne Hinkley of Cameron, N.C.; two daughters, Michelle Nadow of Chelsea, Mass., and Susan Soccio of Painted Post, N.Y.; his sister-in-law Joan Zbell of Stratford, Conn.; his niece Tamara Morton of Ellington, Conn.; two nephews, Dr. Paul (Roxanne) Zbell of Owens Crossroads, Ala., and John (Jennifer) Zbell of Stratford, Conn.; several great-nephews; and a great-niece.
Paul’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Gentiva Hospice who compassionately cared for him during the past year.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 4 p.m., at the Fry & Prickett Funeral Home in Carthage, N.C. Condolences can be made on the website of Pines Funerals. Powell Funeral Home is serving the Zbell family.
