Paul A. Ehrke

Paul A Ehrke age 84 of Waterford, NJ passed away on Thursday August 7, 2025 while listening to old country music and surrounded by those he loved.

If you knew Paul, you've probably shared a cold Coors Light with him, spent an afternoon on his property in the house he built with his own hands, or traded stories at his bar in Camden. Maybe he offered you some advice or helped you fix something. Paul really did know his stuff.

Born September 18, 1940, Paul was a man of a different generation. Stubborn, strong and proud. Paul was born and raised in Waterford, NJ where he lived his entire life. He owned and operated multiple bars along with his wife, Nina, and also worked as a skilled builder and general Mr. Fix-It. As a professional tinkerer, he could fix most anything. He often said "If I can't fix it, it can't be fixed." A man of many trades, Paul lived to work, and he worked hard. He firmly believed "The day I stop moving, is the day I start dyin'" and he lived his life by this motto - always working on an infinite to-do list of projects, all the way until his final days.

Paul prided himself on his many abilities, and his determination to do things "the right way." He never cut corners and enjoyed the simplicities of life; time spent outdoors, summers on his boat in Cape May and listening to outlaw country. In his younger years, he was known to grab his wife for a slow dance whenever he heard a song he liked, have a pig roast in the yard, hunt, or play billiards.

He lived through things that would kill a lesser man, or at least a less stubborn one. He survived a heart attack, a fall from a house, and a ten-year battle with cancer until it finally took his life - but he didn't make it easy.

Paul touched many lives and chances are, if you met him, you learned something from him - even if it may have been hollered in your general direction. He will be most remembered for his love for his family and his tireless work ethic.

Peace has come for a man who seldom rested. My hands are wrinkled from years of hard work. My heart's grown tired from loving in the only way I know how. The work is finished for this old carpenter. The sun sets on this weary farmer. The tide rolls in for this old sailor.

Paul is survived by his wife Nina (nee Aristone), his children Paul Ehrke, Steven Ehrke (Jill), Charles France, Mimi Aristone (Joe Doc), and Nina France. Loving grandfather to Kelley Guarnere (John), Alexandra Watson, Nicolette Ehrke, Gianna Conely, and PJ Mitchell. Great- grandfather of 6.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.