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Paul Cox Obituary
was Fine Arts Dept. coordinator for Billerica Public Schools, active at Carlisle church; 62
CHELMSFORD -- Paul W. Cox PhD, of Chelmsford, passed away on Tuesday, July 27 after a brief illness.
He was born on April 19, 1948 in Lowell, MA, the son of Paul W. and Elizabeth (McGagh) Cox.
Paul graduated from the University of Lowell, and received his doctorate in Education from Boston College. He was employed as the Coordinator of the Fine Arts Department for the Billerica Public Schools for many years. Prior to his illness, he was the cantor and organist at St. Irene Catholic Church in Carlisle.
Mr. Cox is survived by his first cousin, John Priest, Mary Bagley, Thomas Priest, Dorothy Beaulieu, Carolyn Winn, and Leslie Cox; as well as numerous second cousins; and many dear friends.
COX -- Paul W. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 30, 2010 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 am at St. Irene Church, 187 East Street, Carlisle, MA. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Paul's memory may be made to Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 607 North Ave., Suite 17, Wakefield, MA, or to the Billerica Friends of Music, c/o Superintendent's Office, 365 Boston Rd., Billerica, MA, 01821, or to a charity of one's own choosing. Funeral Directors, Richard P. Burkinshaw & Paul A. Hardy, Jr.
For online condolences please visit www.blakefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Cox
Robin Brown
January 16, 2023
I must give many, many thanks to Paul Cox for teaching/giving me my singing voice. He was so patient with me and my stage fright/nervousness singing in front of an audience. Even when he chose me to sing "The Star Spangled Banner " at my 1978 HS Graduation. I wish that I would've taken his advice and went to Julliard in NYC. Thank you Choral Director Paul Cox for everything and I will always remember your humanity, teachings and attitude with Life.
Sandy M
July 28, 2019
Its hard to believe its been nine years since I saw this funny, smart, talented man. I still miss him, and I know many others do, too. He did so much for the Billerica community through his love of music and education.
Carol Brothers
April 15, 2019
Mr. Cox was an awesome teacher at BMHS. I have always remembered his musical inspiration.
Linda Ryfczynski/Morgan
December 29, 2010
I just learned of Mr. Cox's passing.Mr.Cox was a wonderful teacher. I graduated from BMHS in 1975 and have very fond memories of him. Rest in peace.
Betty Brennan
November 8, 2010
My late husband and Paul were cousins. He was in our wedding and a big help to us thru the yrs. He helped us tremendously when my motherinlaw passed away in 2004. I appreciate his musical talent but admired his love of family even more. He was a wonderful son and a wonderful nephew. Betty Brennan
George Lemieux
August 16, 2010
I just learned of Paul's passing. He was a great teacher, collegue and friend.
Rest in peace Paul.
At a Friends of Music Celebration at the Elks Hall in Billerica, MA. About early 1990's.
Jerry & Mimi Belanger
August 7, 2010
This is the way we will always remember Paul. Always smiling and happy.
August 6, 2010
My memory of Paul is in his music. I have his CD and I love it. He was a courageous energetic , wonderful man . Stamped on my heart forever is his great love for his family. When his mother died at her funeral from St. Irene's church he sang the most touching and beautiful songs with the faith and power of a truly blessed man. He sang with the joy. I cannot think of a more painful time to sing than at your mother's funeral. How brave and faithful is is that ?. Helen Potter
Larry
August 4, 2010
Paul was truly a "man for others"; the highest complement I can pay. It is impossible to know all the people he helped in many different ways.
Don Nicholson
August 3, 2010
I just learned of your death. I am shocked and saddened. So quick and seemingly unfair for one who was always kind and generous to so many. My prayer is that you are held closely in Gods loving hands for the kindness and compassion of your life.
David Marble
August 2, 2010
A gentle and kind man. I'm happy that I got to meet him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Paul's friends and family.
Kim (Thompson) MacLauchlan
August 2, 2010
There are no words to express how deep the loss is of such an amazing, talented and wonderful man. Dr. Cox taught me so much during my high school years - not just about music, but about life. He taught me thankfulness, forgiveness and most importantly - JOY! My sympathies to all those who have been left behind while Paul gets to now sing with the angels and see God face to face. We have all been blessed and our lives made are fuller for having known him.
Kathy Sears
July 31, 2010
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Jeanie (Finnell) Clements
July 30, 2010
Paul may have gone on to become a Ph.D., but I will always think of him as "Mr.Cox", the teacher I terrorized in his first year teaching in Billerica schools: I think it was 7th or maybe 8th grade when I handed him a petition, signed by all my classmates, unequivocally stating that we wanted to sing more modern music, and that we would not sing "Yellowbird" or "When Johnny Comes Marching Home", not one more time. After enjoying 4 years of his guidance and mentorship throughout high school (occasionally torturing him some more along the way) he reminded me of that petition in 1975 when I graduated and went on to the University of Lowell as a voice major in the Music Education program just as he had done. He thanked me, and said it had helped make him a better teacher. And with that he taught me yet one more thing - to be grateful for every experience, every moment of your life and every person that you meet, because they help make you who you are.
I can't believe he is gone, and I am ashamed of myself for not having gone back to see him and tell him what a profound influence he had on my life. I hope somehow he knew.
Rest in peace, Mr.Cox. I will never forget you.
July 30, 2010
God will bless this wonderful man and his glorious spirit. I was previledged and blessed to know him Helen Potter
Kay Rocco
July 30, 2010
Paul,I did't know you for long,but you were a wonderful man.How lucky the angels are now that you are there to direct their chorus.I will always cherish the memory of knowing you .
rich cerasale
July 30, 2010
to the cox family,
sorry to hear about the lost of paul. paul was a big asset to the billerica public school systems. he will be missed.
rich cerasale
Roxanne Haerther-Leachman
July 29, 2010
I, to this day and forever will remember Mr. Cox's grand broadway musicals at BMHS. It was always and forever have been an honor to be one of his students. He is an angel singing along with my Dad in the heavens...And I'm sure there's a show tune they are singing. Peace to all that new him and most of all the family.
Roxanne Haerther-Leachman Baton Rouge Louisiana
Nancy, Steve, Steven, and Paul DiSalvo
July 29, 2010
Dear Paul,
You were a wonderful neighbor and a dear friend. You will truly be missed. May God bless you.
Pamela Kepka Alman
July 29, 2010
Mr. Cox, thanks to you my favorite music is now, and always will be, broadway tunes. I so looked forward to our annual spring musicals. God Bless You and Keep You in His Heavenly Choir.
Kathy Guarnaccia
July 29, 2010
To all Paul's friends and family,
Paul brought such joyful music into our St. Irene's Parish. He blessed us all with his playing, singing and deep faith. He was very generous of his time and our CCD students were enriched by his able guidance. I will miss his warm smile and steady beat. God speed and many thanks, Paul, you will be in my prayers.
Lorraine and Tom McConnon
July 29, 2010
My husband and I always looked forward to hearing Paul sing each week during mass at St. Irene's the past ten years. He had the voice of an angel that would reach deep down into your soul and grab a hold of you. He will truly be missed. May you rest in peace Paul.
Elsa Elliott
July 29, 2010
Paul (PC) gave me and all of his students so much not just in music but in the lessons of life, friendship and caring understanding. He is greatly missed.
July 29, 2010
Siochan, A Chara Paul. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sue Robertson
July 29, 2010
The memory of Mr. Cox will live on in my heart, always. He is the reason I love to sing.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends, and to all the people whose lives he has touched. He will be missed dearly.
July 29, 2010
Paul was an inspiration and a friend to all who knew him. He was not only liked but loved by all. He will be missed more than words could ever say.
Irene Walsh
July 29, 2010
My deepest condolences to his family and friends, and to the people whose lives he'll never have the chance to touch. He is the reason I love to sing.
Carolyn Cardella
July 29, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Mimi Belanger
July 29, 2010
How do I write in a few words the influence this wonderful, talented, gentle man had on the lives of so many people, young and old. So many parents volunteered to help with the annual musicals and when their children graduated they stayed on and on for many years. The friendships me made are forever friendships. When my daughter, Danielle, graduated from high school she sent a thank you note to Paul with a quote from Sir Isaac Newton which says exactly how we all feel, "If I have seen farther than most, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of a giant." Rest in peace dear Paul knowing how much we all loved you.
Sandy Mitchell
July 29, 2010
Dr. Paul Cox enriched the lives of countless Billerica residents throughout his career in the Billerica School System. I first met him when I volunteered to work on the high school musical more than 20 years ago. To work with him was a pleasure and a privilege, and we quickly became close friends. He was an inspirational teacher, a talented musician, and a creative producer-director. But as admirable as these traits are, they are not what I will miss. I will miss his gentle smile; his sense of humor (which was sometimes mischievous); and our frequent chats. His passing has left a sadness in my heart that I doubt will ever fully heal.
July 29, 2010
Dear Cox Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was a wonderful man and I had the pleasure of getting to know him during his year at the Kennedy Elem School.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heidi Lynch
Paula and Chris DeSimone
July 29, 2010
Paul was a wonderful friend to the DeSimone family for many years. His talent, warmth and friendship will be missed.
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