Paul Baumann Obituary

I knew Paul in high school where he was known for being creative and outlandish. For instance, when everyone else was playing guitar and wearing ripped jeans, he took up the bagpipes and wore a kilt. He was gentle and kind to everyone. How sad that he is gone!

i really only knew paul from work, but he was such a presence, it feels like more

he drastically widened my taste in music. im sure i was the only person who was thrilled to see paul walk in each morning with his eclectic and large cd collection. i loved to hear about the bands that he heard the night before. i was living my musical fantacies through him

i have always been rather grey, but paul was black and white. what is right is right and wrong is wrong and rules are to be obeyed. he stood by right and fought for it

he was so smart. whenever i had a question about anything, id ask paul and he always knew the answer

after i left childrens i often wanted to call him and ask him my current burning question, but i never did because i figured probably everyone did that and it must get old

i really did appreciate him and it hurts knowing he is no longer here.

i hate to think of what closer friends and family are going thru without him.

I was saddened to hear of Sterno's passing. I first met him at a Sci-Fi con when I was 17. My best wishes to his family.

Everyone at the Hideout is saddened by the loss of Sterno. We have thought of him everyday and night since August 8. He was the first to recommend many of the bands that later played at the Hideout. He encouraged many other bands with his support. He spread the word to his friends about the Hideout, and in effect helped to create the sensibilty and spirit there. Now his spirit will always inhabit the area on the right side of the stage where he often stood. We wish his family and freinds well, and thank them for taking such good care of Sterno in this last year. Sterno was a living, and now timeless reminder of the better person we wish we could be. He was truly loving, and truly loved.

Paul was a student of mine at St. Francis. I clearly remember telling the class that students were getting a bit too casual in their dress. The next class Paul showed up in a tux! What a loss. My condolences. Vicki Weisenberg

I knew Sterno like most people did, as an endlessly enthusiastic presence at Chicago music concerts, an especially dedicated supporter of local bands, in particular bands fronted by women. As a member of Deanna Varagona's Gospel Jubilee, I was always pleased and touched to see Sterno out there egging us on with as much gusto as he cheered the Bangles at the House of Blues. I also knew he was a nurse, which made me love him all the more. I have been "too busy" to see many shows in the last year, and was unaware of his illness as a result. I wish I had told him how much I appreciated him when he was still here. He will me sorely missed.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss.Our thoughts and prayers go your family at this time of sorrow.

ODE TO STERNO



How can a force like Sterno cease to be? Sterno mortal? Sterno, who, though undeniably human in his passion for all the things he loved and the people who loved him, seemed impervious to the limitations of this mortal coil? Sterno, who thrived on all the fuss and bother, conflicts of time and space and ideas that trouble and confound most of us. Sterno, who, armed with his datebook, that impossible artifact, his own personal Tardis, miraculously and nearly instantaneously transported himself to 3 or 4 different events on the same night. How will the music and the dancing go on without him? I fully expect to see him at the Hideout Block Party in September. With his understanding of sci-fi physics, Sterno may once again defy the constraints of time and space that affect only those of us less gifted in imagination and intelligence. I’m sure he’ll show up, just as the music is about to start, eyes atwinkle and tongue awag. Sterno the tireless, you of all people are entitled to a rest. But you can't blame me, a mere mortal who lacks your transcendent powers, for wishing it weren't so.

To the Greenspan/Baumann Family,



My deepest condolenses on the loss of Paul. You are all in my prayers.

Dear Barbara & Benn: Leasha and I were saddened to learn of Paul's death even though it has been a long and difficult struggle. We hope this tragedy is somewhat tempered by the joy of yet a new life, the birth of your new grandchild. You are in our thoughts.

I didn't know Paul, but his father,

Dr. Benn Greenspan, was my professor earlier this year. Dr. Greenspan is a wonderful man and I am sure that his son was equally as great.

My deepest and sincerest condolences to the Greenspan-Baumann Family.

We were deeply saddened to hear the news about Sterno, who was a friend of ours and a fan of our band(s). He was such a great supporter of the music scene in general and was a sweet and lovely guy. We will truly miss him. Rest in peace, dear Sterno.

I was so glad I could talk with Paul while he was waiting for discharge to go home. I passed on his message to my colleagues at Children's. He was a good guy with so much to offer. I am lucky he considered me a friend.