Paul Verderber in Memoriam
A life poured out for God, family, and others.
Paul lived his faith through humble service, quiet strength, and unwavering compassion. A leader and a witness to Christ, he touched people across continents with his generosity, wisdom, and steady presence. Below, you will find testimonies from around the world—stories of lives uplifted, encouraged, and forever changed by his gentle heart and faithful service.
In lieu of flowers, the Verderber Family announces donations can be made to Gratia Vobis Ministries to continue Paul’s vocation of service.
The Funeral Mass for Paul A. Verderber
Thursday, December 4, 2025. Time: 11:00am EST.
Email Testimonies
To share testimonies about Paul’s life and his witness to the Gospel, please email your story for publication to info@gratiavobisministries.org. You may include videos, photos, or any other visuals you wish to contribute—feel free to send as many as you like. We will update the page every 24 hours. This tribute will run from December 1 to December 31, 2025, after which the page will remain on the website for years to come.
Testimonies
A Dalrymple boy with Paul Verderber
This is Paul taking one of our boys on the jet ski! Our boys loved him so much. He was a treasure to our family.
My favorite Paul story is this— when I broke both of my wrists in 2014, he was the first person at my door. He carried five bags full of groceries for the children explaining he picked things they’d like. He sure did and they felt so spoiled! But, the best part was as he was leaving, he looked right at me and said, “make sure someone brushes your teeth!”
A Dalrymple boy with Paul Verderber
Joanne Dalrymple
Paul with Radhika Sharda Kids
One thing I loved about Paul was his “playfulness”. It was one of his many gifts and part of his vitality—Rich DiMassimo, Paul's Friend and GVM Board Member, North Carolina
Photo taken by RIch DiMassimo, GVM Board Member
Paul Verderber. Always smiling. Cracking me up with his unfailing wit. Blowing me away with his generosity. A man who effortlessly made you feel special. A man of deep, abiding faith, not just with words, but with vigorous action. Bursting with health and vigour, the man who ate challenges for breakfast. Cancer couldn’t break his spirit, he coughed up a lung but didn’t miss a beat. And even to the end when the rude disease threw the second punch, his spirit never wavered. He had Mary Ann. And they kept smiling through it all. Kept welcoming all who walked through the stately doors of their dream home. And just like that, you’re gone.
But though we cannot experience the sheer force of you physical presence, the memories will remain long in memory. You taught us how to live, to seize every moment of every day and whether the mission was cooking burgers, catching waves, teaching YouCat or presiding over Gratia Vobis, the deed was done with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of bonhomie.
Thank you for everything, in particular, the nudge to get out there and write. I will always be in your debt. I love and miss you. Death makes no sense and especially a man who boasted such rude health as yourself. What are you doing in the grave, for crying out loud?! But Faith reminds us that this life is temporary and you’ve just ahead, just around a corner. Probably on that bike of yours, climbing mountains and fording streams. We’ll be with you soon. Until then there’s our own lives to lead, which are immeasurably better, graced as it is with your loving touch. You taught me how to live well, dear friend, and especially how to die well.
It was a grace-filled moment meeting Paul and Maryann in July 2025 in Orlu, Nigeria. I remember him saying with a smile, when I asked if he was having a good time in our midst. "I'm enjoying every bit of my stay here," he said.
Thank you Paul for who you were to your family, GVM and God's people. Rest on in God's peace.
Sr Kemi, Nigeria
*Our prayers and thoughts are with Maryann and the entire family in this time of loss and pain.
It is very sad to hear about the demise of Paul.
I am, however, consoled by the reality of and faith in the resurrection. His life has not ended but has been gloriously transformed.
Fr. Cyriacus Uzochukwu, Chair of GVM, the Event Committee
It is painful to hear of Paul's passing. He was a lovely and caring man. He was committed to the spirit of Gratia Vobis Ministries and served as president for six years. He touched the lives of many families in Africa (Nigeria) during the charity outreach of the ministry in July this year, a mission he wished to achieve. It was amazing working with him. He will be greatly missed by all and the Gratia Vobis Ministry family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.
Paul was a great man who lived a humble life. My family and I met Paul in Nigeria when we traveled there for God's VIP Event (The Poorest of the Poor among us), where five thousand poor people were served and school supplies were delivered to local schools.
Paul was part of the journey. He served the poor with joy and enthusiasm. I asked Paul how he felt about his visit to Nigeria and serving the poor. Paul’s response filled me with gratitude. Paul said, in humility, that he was privileged to be part of the team; he said he was enjoying every minute of his stay and of serving the poor.
Rest in Peace, Paul.
Henrietta, IL
Paul Verderber Fishing
“Prayers especially, Mary Ann, for you, Alice, and Eliza. Paul’s stamina and faithfulness in general during difficult times were edifying.
May you know God’s consolation amidst this great loss.🙏🏻✝️”
Tom Nash, Michigan, USA
Paul Verderber. Always smiling. Cracking me up with his unfailing wit. Blowing me away with his generosity. A man who effortlessly made you feel special. A man of deep, abiding faith, not just with words, but with vigorous action. Bursting with health and vigour, the man who ate challenges for breakfast. Cancer couldn’t break his spirit, he coughed up a lung but didn’t miss a beat. And even to the end when the rude disease threw the second punch, his spirit never wavered. He had Mary Ann. And they kept smiling through it all. Kept welcoming all who walked through the stately doors of their dream home. And just like that, you’re gone.
But though we cannot experience the sheer force of you physical presence, the memories will remain long in memory. You taught us how to live, to seize every moment of every day and whether the mission was cooking burgers, catching waves, teaching YouCat or presiding over Gratia Vobis, the deed was done with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of bonhomie.
Thank you for everything, in particular, the nudge to get out there and write. I will always be in your debt. I love and miss you. Death makes no sense and especially a man who boasted such rude health as yourself. What are you doing in the grave, for crying out loud?! But Faith reminds us that this life is temporary and you’ve just ahead, just around a corner. Probably on that bike of yours, climbing mountains and fording streams. We’ll be with you soon. Until then there’s our own lives to lead, which are immeasurably better, graced as it is with your loving touch. You taught me how to live well, dear friend, and especially how to die well.