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Paul Desmarais Obituary
Mr. Desmarais was a 1970 graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy. He received his Baccalaureate degree from Our Lady of Providence Seminary in May of 1973, and later attended Catholic University in Washington D.C. Mr. Desmarais was employed as the Manager of Corporate Communications for the Airline Tariff Publishing Company at Dulles Airport, VA. He held this distinguished career for over 32 years.
He is survived by 4 brothers; Roland Desmarais of Bayside, NY, Armand Desmarais of Woonsocket, RI, Robert Desmarais of Warwick, RI and Charles Desmarais of No. Smithfield, RI. He is also survived by four sisters; Carmen Cahill of Pascoag, RI, Pauline Brodeur of South Kingstown, RI, Louise Dudley of Douglas, MA, and Lise Desmarais of No. Smithfield, RI.
A funeral service will be held at SS. John & Paul Parish, 341 South Main Street, Coventry, RI, at 3:00 p.m. on December 22, 2006. Donations are appreciated in memory of Paul L. Desmarais to: THE MDS FOUNDATION, INC.,PO Box 353, Crosswicks, New Jersey 08515.
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Desmarais
Sponsored by Lise Desmarais.
November 1, 2018
Miss you, Uncle Paul, my Godfather. Thinking of all the laughs you're now having with Memere and Pepere ❤
Rest well
Michael Koback
March 17, 2018
Remembering all the fun times we had at the Mount back in the day. Rest well my friend.
Pauline Brodeur
October 16, 2010
I miss my brother Paul.....thinking of you today and always,
Pauline
Donna Farmer
January 22, 2007
Dearest Paul,
You are one of a kind! There was never a dull moment when you were around. You always made me laugh and sometimes I didn't even know what the heck you were talking about, but it was just the way you told the story. I can say the most funniest things that ever happened to me at ATPCO involved you. I will miss your silly jokes, those goofy noises you always made, our trips to Vienna Inn and most of all your smiling face.
Thanks for the memories!
Donna
Eloise Rorke
January 22, 2007
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Desmarias family and to his partner Gary. Paul's outlook on life was unique and he brought much joy to those of us who knew him. He was a great mentor and friend and I miss him very much. I am blessed to have known him. He was a true treasure.
susan fasiska
January 1, 2007
My deepest and most sincere sympathy to Paul's family and to Gary. I was fortunate to have been their neighbor for years in SS, and enjoyed every second of my meetings with Paul. He will be missed deeply.
LOUIS ABRAMSON
December 29, 2006
I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE KNOWN PAUL FOR THE 24 YEARS I WORKED AT ATP.
HAVING KNOWN HIM IS TO KNOW HIM STILL.
MY SINCEREST SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO HIS FAMILY.
Jeanne Kane (Rondeau)
December 26, 2006
To Aunt Yvette and all the D kids, counsins, old friends, I too extend my condolences and love. I haven't seen Paul in too many years; but I fondly remember some of the wonderful laughs we enjoyed on Great Road. Paul was my first boyfriend and a good kisser (behind the kitchen oven, not knowing that our mothers were watching us in the large mirror across the room (we were probably only 10 years old!) One of my fondest whimsicle memories was when Paul came to visit Bill and I at our apartment in Clementon NJ, and he played the doorman/butler to all visiting guests. You can only let your imagination roll on what probably went on! Ha! Paul was always lighting up our lives with his sense of humor, smile and squinty eyes. We loved him and will miss him dearly.
Kelly Taylor
December 26, 2006
Paul was "special" beyond words...With a sense of humor that never quit....and for those of us who beleive, will never quit....
David McGrew
December 24, 2006
I can't express my feelings any better than those who have signed this guestbook before me have. To Gary and the Demarais family, my thoughts are with you. Gary, Paul and I have shared some of the best times of my life. The miscevious twinkle in Paul's eye, his kindness and joy of life are what I will carry with me
Marie Ballantine
December 23, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Virginia Mitchell
December 23, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Henry Sienkiewicz
December 23, 2006
In the course of our lives, we encounter many people. Sometimes these encounters were random, but led us along new paths. Sometimes these encounters were part of our daily routine, but encounters which were always meaningful. My friendship with Paul was a bit of both of these.
January 1999 brought changes to my life. I started working at ATPCO and meet Paul. From then until January of 2005, when I left ATPCO, I found every encounter with Paul to be both personally and professionally enjoyable. He was one of the people who helped create the family attitude that I enjoyed so much while at ATPCO.
Sometimes we meet randomly while wandering around the building, as we both did our “walk-abouts.” Walk-abouts designed to know what was going on and to ensure that our internal customers were well served. It was in the course of these walk-abouts that I truly learned the life and philosophy of service that was one of Paul’s hallmarks. He honestly cared about those around him - around him at work, around him at home, around him wherever he was.
Sometimes we met formally. Those attributes of caring and service came through in these venues as well.
I miss him. I wish Gary and the rest of his family the very best, and my heartfelt prayers and thoughts during this period.
All of the best,
Henry
Naomi Robin
December 23, 2006
Paul will be missed by so many in our wonderful DC theater community. We always knew that Paul and Gary would be there - to support, to appreciate, to relish. He was a beautiful man who was taken far too soon. Our hearts are with Gary and all the Desmarais family.
Naomi Robin and Gerry Gleason
Deeply touched by visit with Mom and sister Carmen
December 23, 2006
Paul, Mom and sister Pauline/Holy Cross Hospital
December 23, 2006
Paul's sense of humor despite it all!
December 23, 2006
Richard P. Brodeur
December 23, 2006
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Desmarias family. Paul was a wounderful person who should have had many more years. When I was young I spent many days and sometimes nights at the Desmarias household at 251 Great Rd. (sometimes picking potatoes out of the garden with Armand very early in the morning, ha ha). It was such a wounderful place to be that sometimes I felt like I was part of thier family. Even with the crew of kids that Mr. & Mrs. D had(as we called them) they always welcomed her childrens friends and made us feel right at home. My memories of those times are some of the best of my life. My love and prayers goe out to all of you.
Dick Brodeur
Bob Vachon
December 22, 2006
Dear Mr. Maker and The Desmarais Family:
Just today I learned of Paul's death. Let me express my sympathies to all of you. It's been many years since I had seen or spoken to Paul. We were childhood and school friends from grade one through high school. As time and circumstance has it, our paths diverged never to rejoin. No reason for it; just the way it was. My memories of Paul go from age six to about 18. Sitting next to him in class was a riot. His dry commentary had me in stitches, trying hard to focus on the nuns and brothers at Mount. Paul always won that contest! He was thoughtful and could appreciate the insanity of many situations. Paul always was considerate, loved his family and provided his friends at the time, school chums Ron C., Dennis W. and the gang at the Desmarais house Paulette L, Sue R and others with a place to be yourself as we grew through adolescence.
So though the clock and the distance caused our two paths to go separate ways, I shall always have such fond memories of Paul in the first phase of our lives. He was a great guy to hang around with while growing up.
My thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely,
Bob Vachon
Tom Gregorson
December 22, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Paul was a very kind and wonderful person. I enjoyed working with him.
December 22, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. There are many here that feel the loss of a good friend and neighbor. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
The team at Summit Hills
John Dube
December 22, 2006
A good friend. Always ready to listen and help other. You will be missed.
John
Bonnie Fulks
December 21, 2006
To the Desmarais Family,
I am finding it very hard to admit that my friend is gone. Paul was such an inspiration to everyone...not a day went by without the laughter. Your son/brother will always be remembered for his positive inspiration to all of us.
"Those who live in the hearts of others.... Never die".
Catherine Luthi
December 21, 2006
Once in a great while we meet someone who enters our lives and walks with us through the ups and downs of life. Someone who brings us laughter and joy just by their very presence, someone who brings peace of mind in a world of many trials. Someone who shares a thought, an idea, a shoulder to lean on or someone who is so easy to talk with, someone who listens and never judges, someone that cares about everyone's needs before his own. This special person I call a kindred soul, a dearly loved friend, I call him Paul.
I will be forever greatful that our paths crossed in this life.
I won't say good bye, I can't. I'll just say so long Paul until we meet again at another time and on another path.
Catherine Luthi
I can hear him say... "HELLO"
December 21, 2006
ATPCo Outing - What a wonderful time spent together.
December 21, 2006
OLP Graduation Day wth Grandmothers Desmarais & Heroux
December 21, 2006
NYC Theater Trip with family & friends
December 21, 2006
Aminah Moore
December 21, 2006
My condolences go out to Gary and to the Desmarais family. Paul was a GREAT neighbor - always pleasent, kind and funny. I will miss him.
Frank Socha
December 21, 2006
I met Paul when he was a trainer, together with Melanie. I cannot believe he is gone. His kindness and humor were so refreshing in our world of super efficiency and professionalism. A friend to lean on. I will miss you, Paul.
Barbara Salisbury
December 20, 2006
I worked with Paul at ATPCo too many years to count, at least 20, and any day we saw each other I was better for it. He made me laugh too many times and his kindness was endless. To this very day, I find myself quoting him and it always makes me smile. I thank him for that.....and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you Gary and his family.
Melanie Dezelak
December 20, 2006
I met Paul over 12 years ago when I began working for him at ATPCO. Over the years Paul was more than just a colleague. He was a friend and mentor who I grew to love and respect very much. Paul always looked at life from a positive point of view, never taking the little things too seriously and always making me laugh. He put others before himself and was a role model on how we should all live our lives. I can't believe he will no longer be a part of my everyday life. I am so thankful for the time I had with him. He will be truly missed and always remembered.
shelly runion
December 20, 2006
Paul will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind and one of the funniest people that I have known. I will miss his jokes and all of his stories.
Bill Bandas
December 20, 2006
To Gary and The Desmarais family...Paul was such a gentle and wonderful human being that he will be missed by all that had the good fortune to meet him and be in his presence.
Bonnie Graves
December 20, 2006
To Paul's Family;
I met Paul when I first began working with him ten years ago. He made me feel welcomed from my first day. I will miss him.
I share in your sorrow and send my deepest sympathies.
With respect,
Bonnie Graves
Gennaro DeVito Merrill Meltz
December 20, 2006
Paul was certainly one of the kindest persons we knew. We experienced his hospitality and generosity along with his partner, Gary Maker, for many memorable moments in the D.C. area. Paul shall be missed. To Gary and Paul's family, you are in our thoughts. What pleasant memories we have of Paul; they will be with us for the rest of our lives.
Christopher Henley
December 20, 2006
Feeling a loss surely a fraction of that felt by his family there and here...I'll miss him,
Ann Lowden
December 20, 2006
I met Paul over 20 years ago and knew from the very beginning we would be friends. He was always sincere and fun to be around. We worked closely together for many years I watched him grow and flourish managing others and helping many within the company and across the industry. He loved helping, answering questions, teaching the customers about Automated Rules in particular, but most of all Paul lived by the rule of putting others before himself and that is a model life.
I will treasure the memories of Paul and his friendship and kindness
Jan van Duijn
December 20, 2006
Dear Desmarais Family,
From Amsterdam we send you our condolences. Paul will be remembered here as a professional and very friendly and helpfull man.
Paul, thank you!
Lois Dollamore
December 20, 2006
Some people wonder if one person can really make a difference - I think it is possible! I've witnessed the difference that Paul made in those around him ... he touched many lives; he gave when others were in need, and he always (in spite of his health issues)had a smile and an infectious laugh for all. Paul has been in my life for 33 years, as a co-worker and special friend. I am blessed with many "kodak moments" of memories, and feel that I know each member of the Desmarais family through all the many, many stories Paul shared with Lynn and I during our lunches! What a guy ... so loved and so missed. My sincere condolences to Gary and the Desmarais family.
Lina Keller
December 20, 2006
To the Desmarais family and Gary
Paul was a much treasured and dear friend for many years now and i loved him dearly. He was interested in so many areas, personal and political that no one else talked about. He had hope and a zest for life that overcame his anxiety and fear. I shall miss him terribly and think of him very often.
Lina Keller
Eric Svenson
December 19, 2006
To: Desmarais Family and Gary Maker,
I met Gary a few times when he was in New York City. I found him to be a wonderful and kind person. Such a pity to lose him at such a young age. May he rest is peace!
Donna Campbell
December 19, 2006
Paul was one of a kind and will be missed very much.
Sandy Beach
December 19, 2006
To the Desmarais Family: I worked with Paul for 22 years at ATPCO at Dulles Intl Airport. I moved away approximately 5 years ago and one of the many friends and family I came to care about during my employment with ATPCO was Paul. He could make you laugh no matter how down you were and I was shocked to learn that he had left this world. I am glad I was able to see Paul in October of this year when I returned for a short visit. He will be sorely missed and was loved by many.
Regina Jennings
December 19, 2006
To The Desmarais family,
Paul was someone with whom I could share a confidence and get good advice. He was someone who was smart, bright, intelligent and when you left his presence you felt better about having been around him. Truly as many have said he will be greatly missed simply because of who he was!
Jacqui Ertischek
December 19, 2006
To the Desmarais family and Gary,
It is with deep sorrow that I express my condolences to your family and Gary. Paul and Gary were neighbors of my mother in Silver Spring. Paul was always there for her, they enjoyed an afternoon drink together and she dearly loved him. My Mom died 2 days before Paul and I am hoping that they have now continued their cocktail hour together. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was so special!
Nancy Braymer
December 19, 2006
To Paul's family, I have known Paul and Gary for many years through our mutual friends. However, I have only seen him infrequently; the last time, of course, was at the theater. I remember him as a warm, lovely and loving man who always made me laugh and whose presence brightened my day. My sincere condolances on your loss.
Janice Lynn
December 19, 2006
Paul's stable warmth, kindness, care, gentility, sense of humor, congeniality, and other qualities remain strongly with us, as his spirit stays in our hearts. Even so, we miss him here very much.
Mary Ann Wren
December 19, 2006
Dear Desmarsais family and Gary,
I adored Paul. And will miss him for a very long time. He was funny and sweet, a handsome man, a good friend, someone to share stupid e-mail jokes with every day, and it breaks my heart that he is gone.
Barbara Fitzsimmons
December 19, 2006
To the Desmarais family, I only knew Paul through my acquaintance with Gary. However, the quality of his character clearly shone through the many e-mails Gary has shared. I am so sorry for your loss and for the fact that I was never able to meet Paul in person.
Patricia Bloomfield
December 19, 2006
To the Desmarais Family and Gary:
In the darkness of the nights following Paul's death, it has been a consolation in remembering this kind, gentle, just and caring man had been a special friend of mine. I will always miss him.
Rest in Peace, Paul
Roy Lunitz
December 19, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of Paul. He was a dear friend to many in the Washington community. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
Jackie Lundy
December 19, 2006
I knew Paul over the last 30 years through my cousin Gary. I always greatly enjoyed the time we spent together. Paul's great prespective on life and sense of humor was always so special and he was also so delightful. I will miss him greatly. My thoughts are with all of you.
Gail Baxley
December 18, 2006
For several years, Paul and I spoke almost daily when I was with the airline pricing department. I have never known a more caring person. He always went out of his way to help. We did speak while he was in marketing just to catch up and he was still the same Paul, caring and excited to here from me. He will always be a special memory.
Pamela Lockwood
December 18, 2006
Lise,The Desmarais family
So sorry to hear about Paul,I just want you to know when I think about Paul I will smile, and remember the summer Lise and I went to visit him and Gary in D.C.and how much fun we had.He truely had a special twinkle in his eyes that touched my heart.
So sorry for your loss.
Love Pam
Julia & Pen Moed
December 18, 2006
Paul was a dear,dear man. Funny, kind,smart,gentle, beautiful.Our heartfelt sympathy to the Desmarais family and to our friend Gary.May wonderful memories bring you strength and peace.
Julia & Pen Moed
Kelli Cahill
December 18, 2006
I always looked up to Uncle Paul because he really knew what was going on in the world and just knew so much about life. He was someone who just got it. So smart and witty. I will miss him dearly.
I'm so glad that Pepere could bring us all together one last time. I will miss my Uncle so much.
December 18, 2006
Paul & Ramona Kimmel
December 18, 2006
Paul will always be remembered by us a truly gentle, loving man. We cannot attend the service in person, but our love and thoughts will be there.
John Warner
December 18, 2006
It is with the greatest sympathy I write this. My partner of 17 yrs. introduce me to Paul back in the early nineties, shortly after I met Gary when they invited us to dinner one evening. We've been neighbors here at Summit Hill Apts for over 20 yrs. He will be missed.
Karren Alenier
December 18, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family of dear Paul. What a sweet heart of a man. My heart breaks at this loss. I've known Paul and his partner Gary for 30 years, seeing them at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, artist receptions and always the theater. Please know Paul was always loved here in the DC area.
Anne Butler
December 18, 2006
Thank you for the privilege to care for Paul while he was at Holy Cross Hospital. Love does change everything and indeed in his living and his loving we have been richly blest! Know of my continued prayerful support across the miles.
Patti Absher
December 18, 2006
Paul was a warm, funny, loving man. Our world is a little dimmer without his light. But our memories of happy times will see us through this sad goodbye. Sending all his dear ones our sympathy.
Lorraine and Tim Treanor
December 18, 2006
He was a fine man. We in the Washington area will be the smaller for his absence.
Diane Carroad
December 18, 2006
To all who knew and now miss Paul,
I only met Paul a few times -- catching him now and then at the theatre in MD or DC which he attended with Gary -- who provided such immense and ongoing support and love. Each time, Paul's gentle humor and kind spirit affected me. My regret is that I didn't get to know him better. My joy is that I did have a few occasions to talk and laugh with him. Many of us in the DC area share your grief. May the wonderful memories that Paul's life inspires sustain you all -- and us.
In peace,
Diane Carroad
Mark Stepich
December 18, 2006
I am so very sorry for your loss, as well as mine. I knew Paul for 18 years while I worked with him at ATPCO. He was a true friend and human being. I will miss his laugh, his smile, his giggle, and his frown. And the way he would peer at me over his glasses.
Gary, my thoughts are with you.
lenore binzer
December 18, 2006
Paul was the perfect example of a gentleman. He was a pleasure to know.
Christine Vincent
December 18, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Michael Reilly
December 18, 2006
This well-regarded professional will be missed. As will his humor.
Lynn Maurer
December 18, 2006
To the Desmarais Family, It is with great sorrow that I write this to you all. Paul was "the Salt of the Earth" and a wonderful,kind,funny person who would do anything for you. I had lunch with him at work almost every day and a day didn't go by that we didn't laugh or share moments in our lives, even when he wasn't feeling well. He will be sorely missed but we are all better people for having shared part of his life.
Megan Morgan
December 18, 2006
Dear Family Desmarais:
Paul is so vibrant in our minds and hearts; his laughter, his sweet voice, his kind thoughts and reflections. We wish we could offer more words of condolence. Please know that Paul was loved and appreciated mightily on this earth, and that he's at peace in heaven. "Good night Sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." Love from friends Megan and Bob
Carolyn Griffin
December 18, 2006
Paul was a lovely, shining light in our audience here at MetroStage. He and his partner Gary were true theatre lovers and were very supportive and appreciative of our work. Paul will be missed by all of the theatres in the Washington DC metro area.
Wendy Leibowitz
December 18, 2006
In some ways, I did not know Paul well--I saw him with Gary at the theater quite often here in Washington, D.C. But Paul was always smiling, always listened hard to whatever dumb thing I was saying about the performance, and made all around him feel special and proud to be in his circle. I will miss him greatly. My heart goes out to you, but I do believe we will all be reunited, either in the audience or onstage, at a spectacular theater in the world to come.
With sorrow,
Wendy Leibowitz
Vera & Brian Geller
December 18, 2006
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief as Paul was a dear friend and a mentor to my son. I will always remember how he made us laugh and how he loved life. What a beutiful human bean he was!!!!!! I will pray for him and for his family and Gary.
With Love,
Jodi Holtzman
December 18, 2006
Dearest Paul,
You were family to me. When I think of the countless hours I spent driving you crazy with my stories and trying to find you in the hallways at work. Making you come for walks with me, come to lunch with me and then in this last year we would go have your blood work done before going onto lunch.
I miss you so much and I dont think that I have fully accepted that I will never see you again, never tease you and tickle your neck, steal food from your desk, or books or whatever took my fancy only to have you come looking for it at my desk. I am so thankful that I had you in my life, you were a wonderful, sweet, loving supportive friend and I miss you. Ghandi said where there is love there is life and I dont think Ill stop loving or missing you anytime soon so keep a little space ready for me near you cos when our paths cross again we'll have lots of catching up to do. I only hope you knew how much you meant to me. Jodi
Joel Markowitz
December 18, 2006
My condolences to Gary and Paul's family. Remember all the wonderful memories and time you spent with Paul and those memories will help you during this difficult time. And to Gary, you were the most caring partner. How lucky Paul was to have had you by his side, and how lucky you were to have loved such a caring man. Joel
Paulette Hubbard
December 18, 2006
Dear Desmarais Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you in the time of loss and sorrow.
I can't be there in person for the service but will certainly be there in spirit.
Love, Paulette
You have always given me such great joy. Saying good by was always hard to do, but I have memories of you that will last my lifetime.
December 18, 2006
Great Falls Park, one of Paul's favorite places
December 18, 2006
Having brunch at Pier 7, Sunday December 3, 2006
December 18, 2006
Louise & Paul, December 2, 2006
December 18, 2006
My Brother, My Friend, My Mentor...I will miss you. Your Sister Lise
Lise Desmarais
December 17, 2006
Gary Lee Maker
December 17, 2006
To My Extended Rhode Island Family ..... No words can express the ache in my heart and soul at this time. Paul was truly one of a kind that comes among us all too infrequently. I feel I am a better person for having been at his side these last 30 and a half years. The Desmarais family and I can not calculate the loss that is his passing from this sphere called earth. But we can take consolation in the fact that the evening blanket of stars that crown our nights are now that much more brilliant because he is one of them now and for always. ..... In loving memory of my other half. Gary L. Maker
Elaine and Ed Brodeur
December 17, 2006
Dear Demarais Family,
We regret the loss of your son and brother. Although we cannot attend the service, you will be in our thoughs and prayers. A donation to honor Paul will be made to the MDS foundation..
Love,
Elaine and Ed Brodeur
I will never stop praying for you Paul, Love Charile
December 17, 2006
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