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PAUL R. PHILBROOK
PAUL R. PHILBROOK
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PAUL R. PHILBROOK Obituary
Sarah Cobb Philbrook.
Paul's life was marked by remarkable service and achievements. He bravely served in the Korean War as a radio operator in the ASA branch, a chapter of his life that he rarely discussed. Paul pursued his education diligently, earning a Master's degree from Indiana University following his undergraduate studies at Indiana State Teachers College.
For three decades, Paul dedicated his career to the State of Vermont, holding numerous prestigious positions. He served as Commissioner of the State Police, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of the Department of Employment Security, Director of Judicial Administrative Services, and Commissioner of the Department of Social Welfare where he started his career with various positions. He also held several interim jobs prior to his retirement.
In his leisure time, Paul enjoyed sailing, cycling, and indulged in his passion for reading mysteries, biographies, and always kept abreast of current events through the daily newspaper. He explored the world alongside his dear wife, Sarah. Together, they traveled to all 50 states and over 25 foreign countries, creating cherished memories along the way.
Paul's commitment to community extended beyond his professional life. Together with Sarah, they volunteered for C.I.D.E.R. in South Hero, VT, offering over 288 transportation rides to neighbors in need. After retirement, they volunteered for the National Park Service in sunny spots to escape Vermont winters. Venice, Florida was also known as their home for several years and where he currently resided.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Sherry, his son Alan and his wife, along with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Contributions can be made to C.I.D.E.R. P.O. Box 13, South Hero, Vermont. (cidervt.org)
4 Entries
Lynn (Philbrook) Capen
June 2, 2024
One of my earliest memories of my Uncle Paul was at their apartment, I believe was located in Montpelier. The four of us children sat Indian style around a small table and ate our meal that way. It was unique for my sister and I and more than a lot of fun. Or the night the 4 of us stayed on the sailboat.... Or at Christmas getting National Geographic from Uncle Paul and Aunt Sarah...so many fond memories too numerous to list.
Brooke Pearson
June 1, 2024
I worked for Paul as his in house counsel at both the Department of Employment Security and the Department of Public Safety. As Bill Gilbert observed, Paul was a true public servant, and he was the best administrator with whom I ever worked.
Imagine the skepticism with which he was met when Gov. Snelling appointed this former Social Welfare Commissioner to replace the popular Public Safety Commissioner whom Snelling had just fired. Four years later when Paul retired, there was not a trooper on the force who would not have laid down his or her life for him. Such was the soft spoken, but firm, empathetic, but unemotional leadership that was Paul's forte.
Perhaps the finest tribute to Paul came from Gov. Snelling, with whom Paul was known to butt heads upon occasion. In thanking him for his decades of service to the people of Vermont, Snelling observed that he wished that he were more like Paul. Those who knew Richard Snelling know what a compliment that was!
It was a privilege to have worked with and gotten to know Paul, and I am honored to say that he was my friend.
Brooke Pearson
william A Gilbert
March 10, 2024
Bill Gilbert
I worked with Paul over many years when I was in government service.
Paul was by far one of the very best public servants and skilled administrators that has served Vermont.
From the Department of Welfare to Agency of Human Services to leader of the Vermont State Police, Paul brought calm sound judgement to problems that involved the most significant interaction of Government with individuals in need of support and/or oversite.
Paul was always positive and brought good humor to his role. He understood Vermont, his programs, and our citizens as clients of whatever program he then administered. Paul was always well prepared and brought deep, intelligent empathy for his program's clients, his staff on the front line, as well as, angry clients, often confused, or uninformed legislators, and even high officials in the State government and Federal Departments with which he worked closely.
Paul was simply a wonderful person to work with. I often would go into meetings or situations where I thought I would be in the role of telling him what to do, or need his help to solve a big problem, and returned having learned far more than I had brought to the table.
He was blessed with a wonderful wife, great intelligence, diligence, energy, curiosity, and calm enthusiasm for life.
I am grateful to have known and worked with Paul Philbrook
Ronald Allbee
March 8, 2024
I worked with Paul when I was Vt. Sec of Agriculture and also Director of Energy. He brought wisdom, energy, compassion and and understanding of human nature to all his positions. I remember him as a great steward of Government and service to Vermont, its citizens and the Governor's he worked for. My sympathies and condolences to his family.
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