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Times writer, editor Paul de la Garza dies at 44
A terrific newsman who thrived in breaking news and getting inside difficult stories died Sundayat Tampa General Hospital of an apparent heart attack.
By Times staff
Published October 29, 2006
The St. Petersburg Times has lost a dear family member. Our friend and colleague Paul de la Garza died Sunday of an apparent heart attack. Paul, 44, leaves behind his wife Georgia and two young children, Carlos and Monica. Paul felt ill Saturday night and early Sunday morning was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he passed away shortly after noon. Georgia was with him at the time. Paul was a terrific newsman who thrived in breaking news and getting inside difficult stories. His career included positions with the Associated Press, the Chicago Tribune (where he was Mexico City bureau chief) and two stints with the Times in our Washington and Tampa offices. Most recently, he distinguished our newspaper with coverage of veterans’ affairs, and of the military operations at MacDill Air Force Base. U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young once referred to Paul as the best investigative reporter he’d ever seen, and military generals from Tommy Franks to John Abizaid granted Paul great access out of respect for his reporting.
We are stunned and saddened by Paul’s tragic death. Our hearts go out to Georgia, her children and entire family.
[Last modified October 29, 2006, 18:41:27]
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by Glenda
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11/13/06 04:51 PM
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Dear Family of Paul,
May God sustain you and help you in this very sad time. We mourn with you.
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by Lynette
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11/06/06 07:52 AM
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I knew Paul in High School. My fondest memory was how he danced. All the girls wanted to dance with him. He danced better than John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time and always.
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by Theresa
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11/04/06 08:16 AM
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I went to highschool with Paul - we were good friends in 12th grade - I cannot believe this sad news. My sincere condolences to his wife and children.
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by Carmen
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11/03/06 10:08 AM
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I was a friend & classmate of Paul in Galveston, TX. I am sadden by the news of his sudden death. Our Prayers are with the family of Paul.
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