PAUL VINCENT DAVIS

1935 - 2025

DAVIS, Paul Vincent Paul Vincent Davis, Renowned Puppeteer, Dies at 90 Paul Vincent Davis, passed away peacefully, on August 4. Davis, a master puppet builder and remarkable performer of glove puppetry, dedicated his life to making Puppetry a respected form of theatrical expression, for both children and adults. Davis was predeceased by his long-time partner, Mary P. Churchill, with whom he spent decades making the Puppet Showplace in Brookline, MA, both a beloved neighborhood destination for families, and a nationally recognized center for Puppetry. Born in Richmond, VA, Davis grew up in Alexandria. He began his creative journey in commercial illustration, but found his calling in Puppetry. He has presented his work at The Repertory Puppet Theater in Washington D.C., and co-directed the National Theater of Puppet Arts in New York. He fervently believed that puppetry was capable of conveying the same emotional depth and complexity as live actors on a stage. In 2020, a retrospective exhibit was held at the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, and his creative process was profiled in the 1985 children's book "Puppeteer," by Kathryn Lasky. His own book, "Exploring the Art of Puppet Theater," was published in 2018. A creator of over a dozen full-length shows, Davis inspired countless puppeteers through mentoring, workshops, and festival appearances. Visiting Hours: Davis will be remembered via a Celebration of Life at the Puppet Showplace Theater on September 14. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paul Vincent Davis Fund at the Puppet Showplace Theater, at 32 Station Street, Brookline, MA 02445. Details will be available at puppetshowplace.org https://www.bellodeafuneralhome.com

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