Paul D. Wendehack

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Paul D. Wendehack, 85, of Farmington, CT on January 13th of 2026. Paul was the son of Frederick C. Wendehack and Christine (Kasparek) Wendehack. He was born and raised in Bethesda, Maryland with his brother Frederick and his sister Deborah. Growing up, Paul's love for music began with playing his childhood piano in his family home. His devotion to playing the piano would follow him through all the days of his life. Paul also loved visiting the shore and driving his boat "The Firebird". Paul and his sister Debbie were lifelong best friends; however, as children he enjoyed a good laugh, teasing her with their shared fear of spiders.

After attending Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore on a full senatorial scholarship, Paul taught music in Bethesda. Paul moved to Connecticut where he continued his long, devoted journey of teaching music. Paul taught at the Irving A. Robbins Junior high school, where he remained for over 25 years. It was teaching in Farmington that led Paul to meet his wife Robin. While at Robbins, Paul organized and conducted numerous choral concerts and recitals resulting in great esteem from students and earning the nicknames "The Velvet Hammer" and "Maestro". During that time, Paul also earned a master's degree in piano performance from the University of Connecticut. He had the opportunity to perform at the governor's mansion in Hartford and at the International Music Festival in Mallorca, Spain. Paul felt the love and respect of so many students during his time teaching at Irving A. Robbins. Not only was he an influential choral instructor, but he also genuinely took the time to support and mentor his students with patience and understanding. He brought warmth and laughter into his classrooms and allowed for all his students to feel at ease. Paul had the wonderful experience of having his daughter Leanne in his choirs during her middle school years.

Following Paul's retirement from the school system, he founded The Piano Studio where he taught an average of seventy private students per week. Paul's family will always remember hearing the beautiful piano music that filled their home every day. Paul continued this much loved endeavor until his health forced him to discontinue teaching.

In addition to his music and cherished family, Paul also loved the Red Sox. He watched the Red Sox with great enthusiasm and enjoyed going to many games at Fenway Park. Paul loved watching Rodger Clemens sign a ball for his daughter Leanne. Paul also loved playing tennis, riding bikes at the reservoir and the camper where he and his wife Robin spent many summer days.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Robin (Wetstone) Wendehack; his children Ethan (Michelle) Wendehack, Matthew (Jasmine) Wendehack and Leanne (Chris) Antonino; his seven grandchildren Cole, Abby, Jade, Evan, Mackenzie, Christopher and Layla. He was predeceased by his son Seth Wallace.

Beethoven will forever be honored by "The Velvet Hammer" in the heavens above.

Paul’s family will receive family and friends on Sunday, January 18 from 10:30AM until 12:00PM in the Chapel of Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105. Guests are encouraged to stay and attend the funeral service including music, prayers, and words of loving memory beginning at 12:00PM. At the conclusion, the funeral procession will escort Paul to Beth Israel Cemetery, 51 Jackson St., Avon, CT 06001 for committal prayers and burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.