John F. Pauly ’84

John died March 20, 2026, from early-onset Alzheimer’s, in West Palm Beach, Fla., with his wife, Mirta Araoz, and daughters Sara and Anais at his side, and his mother Sharon Pauly’s love always present.

At Princeton, John rowed heavyweight crew, studied politics, and belonged to Tiger Inn. A gentle giant, a truly kind soul, John touched many.

He earned his law degree from the University of Florida and then clerked for Judge Rosemary Barkett.

John devoted his life to helping those less fortunate than he. Protecting rights, upholding dignity, and standing for fairness embodied who John was. He epitomized “Princeton in the nation’s service” through these actions.

After his clerkship, John spent several years in Guatemala working for the United Nations and monitoring elections. Sometimes using the name Juan Pablo, he loved Guatemala and spoke fluent Spanish.

John was a longtime member of Florida’s ACLU and chaired its local chapter’s board of directors. He worked many years as an assistant public defender in Palm Beach County, doing both trial and appellate work.

John is greatly missed by those fortunate to have known him.