Russell Lewis Paul

1933 - 2017

Russell Lewis Paul

We are very sad to tell you that our Dad, Russell Lewis Paul, died on June 12, 2017. He went to join his beloved wife, Dorothy, in time to celebrate their 64th Wedding Anniversary. Dad was singing, dancing and even playing jokes on the nurses in the hospital right up to the very end.

Born in 1933 in Kingston, PA, he moved with his family to Marion Gardens in Jersey City, NJ so his father could work in a WWII supply plant.

Dad sang in the Trinity Church Boys' Choir in NYC. In addition to singing at services every Sunday, the Choir performed at Carnegie Hall and sang on the radio.

He was also an athlete. Dad was captain of Dickinson High School Gymnastics team and all-around Jersey City gymnastics champion in 1950. He attended Michigan State University on an athletic scholarship from 1950-1952 and 1956-1958. Dad was captain of the Michigan State team when they won the National Championship in 1958.

From 1953-1955 Dad served in the Armed Forces and was stationed in Korea. It was in the army that he perfected whistling, juggling and other silly tricks which he entertained his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends with throughout his entire life.

With his wife, Dorothy, Dad started and ran three business out of their offices in Wharton, NJ: Adwey, Inc., RLP Inc. and Voicetel. He lived for 50 years in Boonton Twp., NJ. Most recently living in Phoenixville, PA.

In his later years Dad lived with dementia, but he never lost the essence of who he was. He believed his purpose in life was to make people smile. His own broad smile, bright eyes, and simple jokes brightened the day of everyone he met. His friends in assisted living remember him as a comedian, cookie lover, dancer, singer, gentleman and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.

He was a beloved husband, devoted Dad and a really fun Grandpa.

He will be dearly missed by his five children and their spouses: Katherine and David Ray; Shirlee and Bob Krantz; Stephen and Barbara Paul; Maureen and Brian Monihan; and Diane and Ralph Zito; 15 grandchildren: Lydia Herman and her husband, Jamison; Daniel Ray and his wife, Maricela; Timothy, Sara, and Rebecca Ray; Nathalie and Harry Krantz; Christopher, Brittany and Mathew Paul; Aaron, Andrew, Tara and Kate Monihan; and Claire Zito; and 5 great-grandchildren: Nadia and Myles Herman; Daniella, Ariel and Lilly Ray.