Paul Marshall Abel Sr.

Paul Marshall Abel, of Palm Harbor, Florida died suddenly and unexpectedly of pancreatic cancer. A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22nd, at Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens at 1:30.
Paul would have celebrated his 90th birthday in January. Paul was born to Genevieve (Jenny) and August (Jack) Abel during the Great Depression, and was raised in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Margaret (Peggy) Abel. He is survived by his significant other, Sandra (Sandy) Rose; three children, Annie, Paul Jr, and Carol; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Paul served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War era as a flight engineer.
Professionally, he was a successful businessman who owned several companies, and served as Chairman of Public Works for the City of Holyoke. He was a proud Mason and member of the Masonic Lodge of Western Massachusetts and had longstanding friendships with Masonic brothers in Florida.
His hobbies capture the essence of his life. The consumate adventurer, Paul lived life to the hilt. After completing training in boating, sailing and scuba diving, he rented schooners and sailed throughout the Caribbean, returning home with tails of exploring uncharted islands and close encounters with sharks, giant manta rays, and barracuda.
He enjoyed touring New England on his motorcycle, owned a motorcycle repair shop for a time, and sponsored a motorcycle hill-climb team.
When not sailing or touring he enjoyed skating (He roller-bladed with his grandchildren in Georgia and could out-skate his college-aged grandson in Florida).
He and his wife Peggy trained under professional skating coaches and competed as roller dancers individually and as a couple in events across the country. They won numerous titles from 1995 on. They were New England senior champions and competed in the nationals in 1997. There, Paul placed in the top ten nationally. After Peggy's passing, Paul continued to roller dance in Florida with his partner Sandy with who he also enjoyed cruises, dancing and dining.
He and his wife attended Christ Church in Palm Harbor for many years.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Paul with a memorial gift consider contributing to one of his favorite charities: Sun Coast Hospice, Shriners Hospital or St. Luke Children's Hospital, or another worthy charity.