Paul Thomas Sterbutzel

Paul Thomas Sterbutzel, a man remembered for his warm smile, generous spirit, razor-sharp wit, and steadfast devotion to his family, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 14 in McLean, Virginia. He was 87 years old.

Born on January 8, 1938, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Paul was the son of Melchior Andrew “Spud” and Lillian Sterbutzel. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette Sterbutzel; his son, Tom(Molly) daughters, Jennifer (Jeff) and Julie (Damon), brothers, Bill and Mel; and sister, Ann Hash. Paul took immense pride in his seven grandchildren—James, Luke, Avery, Holden, Dane, Harper, and Joshua—who brought him boundless joy. He was preceded in death by his cherished son, Craig, and his brother, Joseph.

Paul’s early years were shaped by family and place—growing up around his father’s garage and later on the waters of Cheat Lake in Morgantown, West Virginia. He graduated from St. Vincent Prep School and went on to attend West Virginia University and UCLA. After his time at WVU, he moved west to California, where he welcomed his first son, Craig.

His professional journey began humbly at Douglas Aircraft, where he worked night shifts sweeping punch cards in the computer room. Through self-determination, Paul taught himself to program, contributing to the Saturn missile program before being drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1962. There, he developed an innovative inventory management system that ensured munitions readiness during the Vietnam War. The Navy later adopted Paul’s system, bringing him back east, where he joined Planning Research Corporation (PRC), serving in both Charlotte and Virginia Beach.

In the ensuing years, Paul’s entrepreneurial drive took flight. He relocated his family to the Washington, D.C. area and founded Computer General Corporation, which was eventually acquired by PRC. It was during this time he met Steve Johnson, with whom he co-founded Johnson Systems. Paul wrote the innovative Job Accounting Report System (JARS), and the company quickly became one of the largest IT firms in Northern Virginia. In 1983, Johnson Systems was acquired by Computer Associates. Paul would go on to establish several other IT companies, including PTS Services, PC Manager, and DBE Software, the latter in partnership with Luiz Siqueira. He retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of technological innovation and business leadership.

Paul’s passions included a lifelong love for aviation, boating, and speed—interests kindled by his father, who had once flown with Charles Lindbergh. Whether flying cross-country to attend his son’s games in Maine, taking aerobatic flights with champion Patty Wagstaff, or soaring with the Blue Angels, Paul found freedom and exhilaration in the skies.

His generosity was quiet but profound. In the early 1980s, when federal scholarship funding was slashed, Paul quietly financed college educations for several underprivileged students, changing the course of their lives without ever seeking recognition.

A memorial service to honor Paul’s remarkable life will be held at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, Virginia, on Thursday, May 22 at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow at the home of Julie and Damon Smith.

Paul Sterbutzel will be deeply missed by his family, his many dear friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him. His memory will endure in the lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind. The family is requesting for those who wish to send flowers use Vienna Flowers and Gifts
https://viennaflorist.com/