Paul William Budd Sr.

Paul William Budd Sr., 82, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at his home in West Deptford, where he and his family had lived since 1986. Born and raised in Woodbury, Paul graduated from Woodbury High School in 1961. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jeanne-a partnership that would shape the rest of his life.

After high school, Paul earned his degree from Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia. In 1965, he and Jeanne married, and in 1967, they opened the Budd Funeral Home in Woodbury. Paul owned and operated the funeral home with dedication and compassion until his retirement in 2018. Paul's professional life was a source of great pride. He was a dedicated member of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association and a member and Past President of the West Jersey Funeral Directors Association. He also served as an Investigator for the Gloucester County Medical Examiner's Office, working across Camden, Gloucester, and Salem Counties for 22 years.

Paul's commitment to his community ran deep. He served on the Woodbury City Council in the early 1970s and later as a Gloucester County Freeholder. He was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Woodbury Kiwanis Club, the Deptford Rotary Club (where he was a Past President), SODAT, and the Deptford Elks.

When his children were young, Paul found great joy in coaching them in Woodbury Little League, where he also served as League President. A longtime member of St. Patrick's Church, where he and Jeanne were married, Paul served on the Parish Council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Woodbury Country Club and an avid golfer.

Paul and Jeanne loved traveling the world together, but his favorite trips were the family vacations to Maine, Ireland, and the Outer Banks. Above all, Paul cherished his family. He often said that his children and grandchildren were his greatest accomplishments. He never missed a game, performance, or milestone, and when his grandchildren arrived, he was always on the sidelines of every event, cheering them on. Generous by nature, Paul was always ready to lend a helping hand-whether to a fellow funeral director, a neighbor, or anyone in need.

Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Jeanne (Nesbitt) Budd. He was predeceased by his son, Paul W. Budd Jr., and is survived by Paul Jr.'s wife, Maria; his daughter Jennifer Budd Wright and her husband Dave; and his son J. Scott Budd and his wife Sandy, his beloved grandchildren: Caitlin Coolen, Samantha, and Christopher Budd; Anna, Lindsey, and David Wright; and Ronan and Sara Budd.

Friends may greet the family on Monday from 6–8 p.m. at the Budd Funeral Home, 522 Salem Avenue, Woodbury, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church (Holy Angels Parish), 86 Cooper Street, Woodbury, NJ. Interment will follow at Eglington Cemetery.