Paul and I were never close but the times we had together were special. Hanging with his big brother Dave down in Austin were some especially good times - being amongst friends, watching Duke hoops or me trying to make fun of the Steelers brought out that big Paul smile that will be missed. - Aaron

I am so saddened by the news of Paul's passing and my thoughts and prayers have been with his family these last few weeks. I first met Paul during our time down at Duke. He was always so much fun to be around. I would love goading him and Dave into an argument about who was the better basketball player and could listen to them argue for hours. Over the years, I got to know him even better during our time down in Austin. He continued to be so funny and fun to be around, but I also got to see another side. Seeing him interact with his niece and nephew, I got to see what a genuine, sweet and family-oriented person Paul was. I will miss those times hanging out and the endless debates around the best class at Duke or the countless Sheetz versus Wawa arguments. We will miss you.

David and I were deeply saddened upon hearing of your heart wrenching loss of Paul. What an unimaginable loss to his parents, brothers and extended family. He was brilliant and talented and best of all just a great person. Our deepest sympathy to you. David and Nancy Eardley 🩵

Paul was my best friend from when we were randomly assigned as roommates in freshman year through our last day living together with Dave on Urban St. We didn't have too much in common when we started besides being from Pennsylvania. Although I'm not sure he ever considered Philadelphia the same as his Pennsylvania. I was short and horrible at basketball. One day some kids on our hall were talking trash on his basketball skills, so he said "I'll beat you 2 on 2 with Justin on my team." And he said "just pass me the ball each time and I'll score." And I did, and we won. I knew nothing about Penn State football or Duke basketball. But we both enjoyed hanging out and laughing and having a good time. So we became best friends and he taught me everything I needed to know about college basketball and Duke. Paul was fiercely loyal and always made everyone smile and laugh with his unique personality and sense of humor. He would make fun of you and himself at the same time, but never made you feel bad. I was glad we stayed in touch over the years, not as much as I'd have hoped. I am so happy I got to see him in August when I was near Altoona for work. He finally got to show me Hollidaysburg, and was so proud I could spell it correctly. I'm so sorry to the Anderson family for this terrible loss. But as someone else said, over time I hope the grief will pass and we'll be left with smiles and good memories of the time we had with Paul.

Kyle is right, Paul was the main reason we were the best conditioned basketball team in North America! Through my years in junior high, high school, and college, I always enjoyed Paul hanging around with all of Mike's friends in The Basement. We looked up to Paul and tried to earn his respect. He would never make it easy for us to win his approval, but when we did, it always meant a lot. He knew how to make you feel appreciated. He was always supportive...in a Paul short of way. Haha. Most of all, he was one of the most loyal people I ever met. He always stuck up for his little brother and Mike's immature, annoying group of friends. Paul will be missed by many people for many reasons. He was a great friend. My thoughts and prays are with all the Anderson families.

I remember Paul being one of the first guys I looked up to when I moved to Hollidaysburg and joined the basketball team. He was that quiet, yet passionate leader that everyone always seemed to rally around. We definitely were a better conditioned team that year when Paul's passion went a little over the top, ha. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Anderson family, who were always such a caring and loving family. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to reach out. Miss and love you all. - Kyle Abernathy

I am so very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. May you hold dear all the wonderful memories. -Autumn Kephart (Fisher)

Many prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time. As Tennyson once said, "Though life is brief, love is long." My sincerest condolences. - Megan Anderson

Sending you thoughts, love and prayers. Paul always had something humorous to say at the most unexpected moments. We will miss his snarky smile and wit. Xoxo. Love you all!

Whitney and I both still talk about Paul and the fun times we had together. They are some of our favorite memories and never fail to make us laugh and smile! It was an instant connection when we met, and gatherings were just better when he was around. We were lucky enough to see him be a fantastic friend, brother, uncle and son. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Anderson Family. Rest easy, Paul Philip and Whitney Helgren

I went to Duke with Paul. He was such a fantastic guy and I am so sad that he is gone. Paul was everything you'd want in a college friend and fraternity brother. He always up for hanging out, watching a game or playing Beirut late into the morning on a Tuesday. He was an amazing basketball player - whenever we went to play, we'd always start the game ahead because the other team would put their tallest guy on Paul and he'd make multiple three pointers before they could figure out what to do - but you'd never know it because he never talked about himself. He'd call you out when you deserved it, especially for drinking any beer more expensive than Busch Light, he'd have your back if someone was giving you trouble, but mostly he was just the sweetest, most genuine, happy-go-lucky person ever. We would spend hours just hanging out and shooting the shit. It was impossible to go to bed because we were always just having so much fun (pretty much the only time Paul wouldn't be there for you was in the late morning/early afternoon when we finally did get to bed). Though my own sleep, and grades, suffered, I wouldn't trade those nights for anything. Everyone who knew Paul well, loved him so much. He was the best and the world is definitely worse without him.

I was so sad to hear about Paul's passing. Paul was humble, and subtle, and casual, and cool. All at the same time. He was could somehow be the guy who created infectious energy in a room while also just being part of the furniture - an absolute fixture, always there where you needed him, and always having a good time. He had tremendous comedic timing - intentional and unintentional. More than a few stories stick in our heads, whether we've been in touch with Paul recently or not. Paul's life is a great reminder to appreciate the people who quietly, casually, almost effortlessly enrich your life. Paul did that for so many of us. He will be missed. -Chris Celestino Duke Class of 2002

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. My heart is saddened to hear of the loss is Paul. I will always remember Paul's contagious smile and laugh💜.

Paul was such a good friend at Duke and I am so sorry to hear about his passing. We used to spend full days together—playing hours of basketball during the day and spending hours talking over drinks at night. Paul was kind and funny—a favorite friend who I will think of often, who still makes me laugh when I think of a joke, and who I will miss terribly when I see other friends from school. He was also a great basketball player with a lethal three-point shot. I am so very sorry for your loss—may you somehow find comfort in the wonderful memories of Paul. - Chris Prevost

I'm devastated to hear the news of Paul's passing. I'll miss his sense of humor and huge room-warming smile. Though I knew him from my time at Duke, I think my favorite memories were spending time together in Austin, amicably arguing about why the Devils had what it took to win it all. Sending love and thoughts to the whole Anderson clan. And Paul, I think we're going to win it this year! I hope this candle isn't too UNC blue. RIP bud.

I was so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. As classmates at Duke, I always knew him to be a kind guy who made you laugh with a wonderful dry sense of humor. He had a remarkable way of getting along with everyone. My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. -Tommy Curran, Duke 2002

Paul was one of those friends who you were always glad was on your team. He was deeply loyal, would "no-questions-asked" defend you in a heartbeat, and was always up for doing something fun. Whether that was going to a Duke game, or staying in and making it fun to watch a cheesy sci-fi version of Dune. My condolences and love. You will be so missed. Blake Byrnes Duke classmate

Paul was one of my favorite college friends and also one of the best and most reliable hangs who was always up for some laughs. He was fiercely loyal to his close friends and would do anything for us. I vividly remember him meeting my now wife when we were newly dating shortly after college and him saying that if she was dating me she must be awesome and so she was in as far as he was concerned which made her feel so welcome in a new crowd. I haven't seen Paul in years but will always remember him as one of my favorites. Also, he shot a very flat three pointer and on the off chance it didn't go in it was always short off the front rim or long so his shots were likewise predicable for this intense offensive rebounder. I will miss Paul so much and was so incredibly sad to hear the news.

My deepest condolences to the whole Anderson family. You are all in my thoughts, and my heart breaks for you. I always remember Paul coming over to our house with Omar to hang out with my sister. He always had the biggest smile. Please know you are all in my thoughts.❤️

Paul was a classmate and fraternity brother of mine from Duke. He was one of the most caring and humble men I've known, not to mention the biggest Penn State fan I've ever met. I'm better for having known him and his memory will always bring a smile to my face thinking of all the good times we've had. May your sorrow slowly fade away and you be left with some wonderful memories. That's what Paul would have wanted. With my sympathies, Paul Blanchfield Lincoln, MA Duke Class of 2002

Paul was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. Even though Paul was not very outgoing, he had a unique ability to draw others in. Everyone who talked with Paul instantly liked him. It was something I always admired. I will always remember our time at Duke, especially the years that we lived together. My Duke experience just wouldn't have been the same without him. It is hard to grasp that he left us so soon. Thoughts and prayers to all of the Andersons. - David Frist

I remember first meeting Paul at Duke when he came to visit Dave, and seeing him many times over the years. Such a gentle soul and special person, with a great sense of humor. All our prayers and love for him and the entire Anderson family. - Bob Collins

Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul's family at this time of sorrow. We always enjoyed watching him play bball at hburg, and even soccer when he was in junior high