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BORN
1956
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Paul Proudy Obituary
He loved sports and played football, basketball, and track in North Reading. He had a life-long career as a well-known chef, caterer, and food service manager. He worked heroically during the Pandemic at Poet Seat Healthcare and had a Patch Adams way with people.
In 1995, he married Patricia Ryan, with whom he had two daughters. They lived in the Berkshires.
Being a fan of Boston sports, especially the Patriots, was a bond he shared and a precious memory for his brother, Brian. He was known for his huge personality, humor, and generosity.
He loved the ocean and took many vacations there and one to Ireland (his proud heritage). Paul also enjoyed U.S. history and reading.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Debra, his brother, Richard, his beloved baby daughter, Helen, and his former wife Patricia.
He will be sadly missed by his daughter Katherine Proudy of Charleston, SC., who also has distinguished herself in the restaurant world. He was her inspiration and she his pride and joy.
In 2003, he met Kathy Murdock, and married in 2006. They spent most of the last 20 years together. Paul will be sadly missed by Kathy Proudy of Greenfield, Christopher Murdock of Shelburne Falls, and Clayton McCloud of Nottingham, NH. Paul was a beloved presence for all Murdock/Horrocks holidays and occasions.
He also had decades-long friendships with Mike Phelps of Greenfield and Nicky Leeber of NY.
He loved his two "kitties", the last of many rescues. In lieu of flowers, one could give to a local animal shelter.
Thank you to Smith Kelleher Funeral Home for their caring help.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Proudy
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Sandra Herkowitz Kennedy
February 14, 2025
I thought of Paul the other day when a beer truck of a brand he used to buy for Hancock Shaker Village passed me. Again, I felt the sadness missing his irreverent humor provided levity in a serious environment. Couldn't help but love him. Hope to meet you Paul on the other side some day.
BeckyKnox
July 4, 2023
My condolences to Paul´s family & friends. Also to Kathy, my friend.
April J
June 28, 2023
Katherine-
I am shocked and saddened to hear of your dad's passing today. Working with your dad was one of the most enjoyable experiences. I often think of his sense of humor, and how much fun we all had, way back when, at Hancock Shaker Village. He was always a character, ran a tight ship, and we shared a phobia of birds that offered us many strange laughs! I hope you'll take the best memories of him with you in the years ahead.
Chris Losso
June 28, 2023
I have lots of great memories of Paul from our time at NRHS. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends.
John choate
June 27, 2023
Remember his deerfield days with my brother michael..lots of good times
Debra Hobby Skerry
June 26, 2023
I have many happy memories of Paul from our days at NRHS. I was very sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends.
Lisa Virgilio
June 26, 2023
I have known Paul for many years. We worked together and we have been friend since. There are so many happy memories of our work escapades and putting out some very impressive functions. He was a very talented chef and was my go-to person when I needed advice. He was very caring and had a great sense of humor. I will miss our jokes and our conversations. My condolences to his daughter and family. Rest in peace.
Kathie McCutcheon
June 25, 2023
Sending condolences to the family. Very sad to hear of Paul´s passing
Dan mackean
June 25, 2023
My condolences to the family
Sandra Kennedy
June 25, 2023
I was so sad to hear of Paul's passing. He had a vibrant and playful personality, a real original, and a warm heart. We worked together at Hancock Shaker Village and experiencing his irreverent sense of humor was so joyful. His wife and family meant everything to him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Pat Balcom
June 24, 2023
I met Paul at Hancock Shaker Village the first year I worked there. We shared many conversations, filled with many laughs. He had a heart of gold; his culinary skills were second to none. Our cafe has never been the same since Paul left. Such a loss! May you rest in peace, Paul.
Rich Sallee
June 24, 2023
Grew up working with Paul at Deerfield Academy in the 70's. Was quite a character back then. Sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers to the family, RIP
Mary (Harrington) McLellan
June 24, 2023
Sending my condolences to Paul's family and friends. Paul was a great guy.
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Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home Inc - Greenfield87 Franklin St, Greenfield, MA 01301
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