Paul Hackmann, 69, died on September 5, 2026 in Viera, Florida.

Born on May 10, 1957 in Miami, Florida, Paul attended Southwest Miami High School, where he met his beloved wife of 46 years, Lisa Hackmann. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Florida and later a Master of Science in Business Management from Troy State University. After college, Paul proudly served his country as an aviator in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He served for 8 years of active duty and 2 years in the reserves. Paul was a Top Gun graduate and an F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer (RIO). He served at NAS Miramar and NAS Pensacola, logging 1200 flight hours and completing over 300 daytime and 100 nighttime carrier landings.

After his military career, Paul brought his leadership experience into the business world as Director of Training & Development for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois for 17 years. Upon moving to Florida in 2006, Paul discovered his next 17 year (and true) calling: teaching. Paul spent 2 years teaching at Bayside High School and 15 years at Viera High School where he modeled the importance of hard work and the pursuit of knowledge to his many students. Even after retirement, Paul and Lisa enjoyed attending Viera High football games and supporting the marching band. Ever the educator, post-retirement, Paul tutored mathematics privately and with The Matthew Erik Foundation for 3 years. He also dedicated time to his community, volunteering as a math tutor and Mu Alpha Theta coach for his students and serving as a softball and baseball coach for his children’s teams.

Throughout his life, Paul enthusiastically pursued a wide range of hobbies. Driven by a lifelong interest in aviation and military history, Paul spent countless hours building model airplanes. His favorite types of models were aircraft from World War II and Eastern Airlines, both inspired by his admiration for his late father. He was a member of the International Plastic Modelers’ Society (IPMS) and frequently attended modeling conventions to share his work.

Paul was also a passionate sportsman who enjoyed fly fishing, kayaking, hunting, and sport shooting. He felt a spiritual connection with the natural world and took time and care to impart that to his children. He was a long time member of the Aurora Sportsman's Club in Illinois where he delighted in doing what he loved with his friends and family.

Paul held a special appreciation for the University of Florida, especially Gator sports. He and Lisa loved following all Gator athletics (especially football, baseball, and gymnastics) and traveled to many Gator football games. To Paul, nothing was more exciting than Game Day.

Paul was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered for his dry wit, love of sharing stories, and unabashed pursuit of his interests. His life was modeled on service, dedication, passion, and his love for his family and friends. Paul lived by the motto: “How you view a person is how they handle adversity and accomplishments.” Paul remains an example for all of us.

He is survived by his wife Lisa Hackmann; his son and daughter-in-law, Chas Hackmann and Nina Watts; his daughter and son-in-law, Michelle Chagoya and Demetri Chagoya; his grandson, Noah Chagoya; and his sister, Karla Phelps. He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Hackmann, and his mother, Mary Hackmann.

A Celebration of Life honoring Paul will be held on September 19, 2026 at 11AM at the Matthew Erik Academy located at 2401 Post Road, Melbourne, FL 32935. Paul’s family invites you to wear casual Paul-inspired clothes: anything Gators, Star Wars, Jimmy Buffett, fishing, math, etc.

In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family invites those wishing to honor Paul’s memory to make a donation in Paul’s name to The Matthew Erik Foundation. Donations can made at https://be-a-little-more-matt.square.site/donations-in-memory-of-paul-hackmann