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Paul Seamans Obituary
Paul graduated in 1941 from Brookline High School and furthered his studies at Tufts College and Tufts Graduate School where he was the Assistant to Dean of Admissions.
Paul's Navy career began in 1943 where he served on submarine chasers and captained the SC 1363 in the Western Pacific during WWII. After his tour of duty he became an instructor at the US Naval Academy at Annapolis until 1953 at which time he left the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was the only Navy man to qualify for the 1952 US Olympic pentathlon team.
From 1953 until the mid seventies he was the principal and eighth grade teacher at the Gill Elementary School and then taught sixth grade until his retirement in 1986.
Paul was very active in the community. He taught riflery and archery at Camp Apex for many years. He was also an official for the Western Mass and United States Track and Field Associations presiding over track meets in the area. He was a life member of the Northfield VFW, the NRA and belonged to the Franklin County Sportsmen's Club.
From 1953 until present he was a sports reporter and columnist for the Greenfield Recorder where he was still writing the popular "Said and Done" column until his passing.
Paul is predeceased by his beloved wife Laurie, his parents Chester and Mary, and his brother Charles Seamans.
He is survived by his sister Caroline Seamans, his children Peter Seamans, Wendy Thompson, Susan Brooks and Caroline Hasty, six grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Paul's children would like to thank all those who gave him such special care in his later years.
Memorial service will be held at the Gill Congregational Church on Saturday February 2, 2019 at 1:00PM.
Donations in Paul's name may be sent to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Northfield Post 9874, 545 Mt Hermon Station Rd., Northfield, MA 01360.
Kidder Funeral Home,1 Parker Ave, Northfield, MA is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Seamans
Deborah Sullivan
December 31, 2023
Missing my dear friend during these holidays!
Debbie Sullivan , now Greenwell
November 9, 2020
Paul was a warm, wonderful friend. I cared for his wife, Laurie, in the nursing home where I came to meet Paul. Their love was so evident, it brought happy tears to my eyes. Paul and I would go target shooting or out for lunches. His stories were so engaging, so, full of history. I enjoyed our outings so much. I was lucky to have met such a fine man. " They don't make'em like that anymore"!
Charlene Siders (Murley)
January 29, 2019
Caroline,
So sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of your father and the many days we spent at your house on the river. My parents would tell me that he always asked about me when they saw him about town. My prayers to you and your entire family.
Cathie Llewelyn
January 20, 2019
I so enjoyed our talks and viewing his writings. he was such dear and when I go to Charlene Manor from time to time it feels sad not see him .
Jeffrey Campbell
January 16, 2019
My earliest childhood memories regarding patriotism could be attributed to Mr. Paul Seamans. Like thousands of other young people growing up in Franklin County and attending Camp Apex each summer from the late sixties through the early sevienties, I daily witnessed the raising and lowering of our Old Glory. Passionately and skillfully playing his horn, Mr. Seamans would blow Reveille at the beginning of each day, while the Stars and Stripes were hoisted highly upon the white mast pole around which we campers encircled standing in patriotic salute. Upon the close of daily camp activities, we would then all reassemble again for him to quietly and solemly blow taps as our American flag was lowered and carefully and honorably folded. As I grew older, I believe I even had the distinct privilege of participating in the flag ceremonies. Paul Seamans also was singularly responsible for my respectful understanding, handling, and use of a firearm. While safely perched on the porch of the wooden structure known as the rifle range, I learned how to properly chamber load, aim, and squeeze fire the trigger of a smooth stock, single shot 22 caliber rifle. As a fifty nine year old man, I can see the stoic face and hear the authoritative voice of Paul Seamans as he gave each command to load, aim, fire and unload the gun. As I share my heartfelt condolences with the family, I fondly reminisce about this incredible instructor and US Veteran, Mr. Paul Seamans. For me, he impacted me greatly and helped to shape my personal understanding of American Patriotism.
Pat Stone
January 16, 2019
My condolences to the family. Your lives were enriched by being a big part of a great man's life. I can still remember him sitting in the Recorder's office on Main Street in Turners Falls. He would always smile and ask if things were all right. He was a wonderful, kindhearted person who touched the lives of many in his years at the Gill Elementary School. He left a smile on your face every time he spoke to you. And then I followed his columns in the Recorder for many years and enjoyed the style of his writing. You could almost see him standing there as you read his columns. Thank you for sharing such a great man with all of us whose lives he touched.
January 14, 2019
Wendy, sorry about your dad's passing. I have so many memories of grade school. He lived a very full life, and set a good example for many.
Tracy Hale
January 12, 2019
Dear Wendy:
I am very sorry for the loss of your dad. What a wonderful life story. May he rest in peace.
Charlie Bradshaw
Amherst
Carl Kuzontkoski
January 10, 2019
I remember Mr. Seamans from grammar school at Gill in the early 60's. RIP.
George LaPenta
January 9, 2019
Mr. Seaman's was a very large part of my younger days. He taught me how to shoot at Camp Apex. He was always imparting wisdom on us "lads." He mentored us all, and when I took over the riflery program I was so honored. Paul was so gracious, and told me it was nice to see the program in good hands. We kept in touch over the years and he always remembered my name. RIP kind sir, and know that you will be missed.
Glory Gooding
January 8, 2019
Paul Seaman's was my 7th and 8th grade teacher and
Principal of the Gill school system. He was a neighbor, a Friend, and I watched his kids grow up. Wendy and Susan were at my house all the time and I also babysat his children. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. He lived a long and fruitful life. He was a good man. I will miss you Paul T Seamans.
Glory Lee (Goodwin) Gooding
Jonathan Weis
January 8, 2019
I was fortunate to be a student at Gill Elementary School under Mr. Seamans from 1965-73. He was an outstanding educator, an exemplary man.
Mark St. Amand
January 7, 2019
The members of the Franklin County Sportsmen's Club offer our deepest sympathies to Paul's family and his many friends, and our great appreciation for all Paul did for the club over many years.
Paul was a long time member of the club; in fact his membership card to the Franklin County League of Sportsmen's Clubs was the very first issued and is displayed on our classroom wall. Paul was an expert rifleman, and even within the last couple of years, he was still visiting the club on Wednesday afternoons to shoot his .22 rifle. Paul's commitment to our club continued right up to his last days, as his ballot for our upcoming election of officers was the very first one received!
Over the years many of us have enjoyed Paul's beautifully written outdoor columns in the Greenfield Recorder. Paul had a warm and welcoming personality, and a wonderfully positive attitude toward life. His was a life well lived!
Lenora Kostecki Laverty
January 6, 2019
To The Family of Paul Seamans, I was deeply saddened today when I read of your Dad's passing. I was a student of your dad's back in the late 50s. I am so glad that I kept contact with him thru the passing years. Mr. Seamans inspired me greatly as I teacher and he is the only teacher I remember and always thought of. I am so glad that I kept his many letters that he would send me and will miss them. Rest In Peace and you will be grealy missed. I am so glad that I was able to have my children meet you years ago.
Andrea Chase
January 6, 2019
The Chase family extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Mr Seamans. He will always be in our hearts and prayers.
He was a great human being and a great educator. Educating 9 members of the Chase family. May he rest in peace with his dear Laurie,
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