Paul Ulrich Dritenbas

Paul Dritenbas, 65, born in Bridgeport, CT on December 20th, 1951 passed away peacefully on March, 9th 2017 at his home in Vero Beach, surrounded by his family.

Paul moved to Vero at a young age, graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1969, attended Indian River Junior College, and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He earned his degree in Architecture from the University of Miami in 1978.

Paul returned to Vero and joined the firm of Gregory D. Edlund, Architect where he became principle in 1982. He managed the Vero Beach office of Edlund, Dritenbas, & Binkley Architects for 34 years, specializing in sustainable designs for municipal, educational, judicial, commercial, and high technology building types. Paul has twice served as President of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and served as State Director of his chapter for 7 years.

Paul held a USCG 100 ton Captain’s license and was an active fishing guide on the central Indian River Lagoon. He was the recipient of the Pelican Island Audubon Society Environmental Citizen Award and the Treasure Coast Coastal Conservation Association Conservationist of the Year Award for his volunteer work in the Indian River Lagoon.

Paul had been a member of Rotary since 1986 and served as Past President of the Vero Beach Sunrise Rotary Club and was the founder of the Sunrise Rotary Club Wing and Brewfest held on Royal Palm Pointe.

One of Paul’s passions was his commitment to our local environment. Paul designed, handcrafted, and coordinated the installation of oyster mats and buoy markers in an effort to encourage sea grass growth in the Indian River Lagoon.

Paul was an avid boater, fisherman, and trail biker. He enjoyed restoring antique cars, woodworking, music, diving, Miami Hurricane sports, and Little League Baseball.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 38 years, Catherine Dritenbas; mother and father: Doris and the late Jack Dritenbas; sister, Judy Wagner (Paul); brother, John Dritenbas (Diana); three sons: Alan (Alyssa), Ben (Sarah), Logan (Shanna), and 4 grandchildren: Finn, Collins, Wes, and Evan.

The family extends its appreciation to the staff of Hospice VNA of Indian River County and all its caregivers for their steadfast compassion and loving care in his final days, and a special thanks to Pastor Jack Diehl for his devotion to Paul’s spiritual care.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 14th at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1850 6th Ave, Vero Beach, with Pastor Emeritus Jack Diehl officiating.

Contributions may be made to The Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation, P.O. Box 6274, Vero Beach, FL 32961.