Paul Montgomery Vanderburgh

Vanderburgh, Paul Montgomery, age 64 from Oakwood, OH, passed away peacefully February 17, 2025, with his loving wife and children by his side after a long battle with a terminal neurodegenerative disease. His family and friends lost a piece of this strong, caring, humble, witty, and loving man each day over the last six years and they know he is now in a much better place.

Paul was born on August 13, 1960 in Maui, Hawaii to Richard and Mary Vanderburgh. The family settled in Huber Heights, OH, where Paul grew up amongst his eight siblings. He graduated from Wayne High School in 1978 and was a proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1982. Paul went on to receive his master’s degree from the University of Georgia and his Doctorate in Applied Physiology from Columbia University in 1992.

Paul’s life was marked by service, scholarship and an unwavering commitment to the people, institutions, and the country he loved. He began his 10-year exemplary military career as a Lieutenant in the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division in Korea from 1983-86. Upon return to the states, Paul proudly accepted a position to teach in the Department of Physical Education at his beloved West Point. After earning his doctorate from Columbia while teaching at West Point, he realized his passion for education, research, and mentorship were pulling him in a new direction.

Paul accepted an Assistant Professor position in the Health and Sports Science Department at the University of Dayton (UD) and later became Chair of that same department. He was a renowned leader in exercise physiology, contributing valuable insights through numerous publications, presentations, and grants. Paul’s desire to continually challenge himself and serve UD led him to a broader leadership role as Associate Provost of Graduate Academic Affairs. In 2018, he was honored with the Lackner Award, the University’s highest honor, for his profound contributions to the Catholic and Marianist mission of the University.

Paul also served his community, running for the Oakwood School Board in 2003 and serving there from 2004-2010, including as School Board President from 2007-2010. He also served on the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Board of Trustees, Executive Committee from 2010-2016.

As impressive and impactful as Paul’s military, professional, and community accomplishments were, they paled in comparison to his desire and devotion to being a loving husband and father.

Paul met his soulmate, Patty McCarthy, on a blind date while on leave from Korea in December of 1985. Upon his return to the states in September of 1986, Patty and Paul were engaged after two months and married the following May. They never took their love for granted; they always felt grateful and blessed to have each other. Even after 37 years of marriage they continued to ask each other, “How’d we get so lucky?”

Paul cherished his children: their accomplishments, their challenges, and their love. He was a hands-on dad instilling morals, knowledge, optimism, and humor in every stage of their lives.

Paul had an unrelenting passion for exercise and fitness both personally and professionally. He loved to run and workout; it was a non-negotiable part of his every day. Without saying a word, he inspired others to make it part of their every day as well.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Patty (McCarthy); children - Ellen Diefenderfer (John), Joe Vanderburgh (Kate); three grandchildren - Jack Diefenderfer, Luke Diefenderfer, and Margot Vanderburgh; siblings - Richard Vanderburgh (Lana), David Vanderburgh (Rhonda), Mark Vanderburgh (Debbie), Betsy Vanderburgh (Joe LaMagna), Mara Pulliam (Jim), John Vanderburgh (Jill), Michael Vanderburgh (Ann Marie); sister-in-law - Nancy Vanhouten (Stacy); and brother-in-law Jim McCarthy (Lori). Preceding him in his death were his parents Richard and Mary Vanderburgh, mother-in-law Donna McCarthy, and brother Robert.

Paul lived his life with an optimistic, selfless, can-do attitude. He was never one to complain. He had an uncanny knack for helping people believe in themselves and gently pushing them to be all they could be. His moral compass was always pointing north and his love for life, friends and family was unwavering. His personal creed was simple: “Climb a little hill everyday.” He did just that all the way to the end.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love for Paul (and Patty) throughout this challenging journey. Please save the date for Paul’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 31 at 5:00 p.m. at Dayton Country Club in Dayton, Ohio. Doors will be open from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Dayton Country Club in Dayton, Ohio, with a short ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. and a heartfelt celebration to follow!

In lieu of flowers, a gift in memory of Paul can be made to the following:

• University of Dayton’s Education and Health Sciences - Excellence Fund through https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/39665/donations/new?aft=098d4b7397580176b94441502a20e6ed or by mailing a check to, UD Advancement, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-7056.
• Johnny Mac Soldier's Fund JohnnyMac.org - providing scholarships to children of our nation’s fallen or disabled service members.