Paul Curley Fay

Paul Curley Fay, beloved father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, just ten days after celebrating his 100th birthday. Born at home in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Paul was the son of Thomas and Molly Fay and the younger brother of Eileen Fay-Hickey. 
Paul was an intergenerational organizer in local politics and was deeply committed to the democratic process. His father was an elected representative of the Massachusetts "Great and General Court" and championed legislation that mandated the eight-hour working day. Paul's grandfather was a high-profile advocate for Irish independence, and as a result, had to escape into exile in America rather than face jail under the English authorities. 
Known affectionately as "the Commissioner" wherever he went, Paul was an avid golfer and tennis player well into his eighties, retiring from both sports at the age of 93. His memory and wit remained sharp throughout his life, famously joking that the secret to reaching 100 was to "be very careful when you are 99."
Paul's remarkable century of life was marked by resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to family and friends. A Depression-era child, he graduated from Huntington Preparatory School before attending MIT briefly. His path took an unexpected turn when he served his country twice-in World War II and the Korean War. Paul graduated from Boston College in 1950, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to the institution that would extend to his family as well.
Paul married the love of his life, Eleanor Murphy, in a union that would last over 50 years until her passing in 2006. Together in Dedham, Massachusetts, they built a vibrant family while Paul carved out a productive career in the insurance industry, travelling daily to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he became a co-owner and partner in the Keough-Kirby Insurance brokerage firm.  His professional productivity was entirely built upon his immediately apparent integrity, sincerity and Celtic charm. Paul also broke barriers, becoming one of the first Irish Catholic members of the prestigious Dedham Polo & Country Club (where he had caddied as a boy). His good humor, high handicap and ability to form friendships with both members and staff made him one of the most popular people in that community. 
Paul was the consummate provider and supporter of his family, always putting their needs first while building his professional reputation. His success enabled him to pursue his passions for real estate and travel, collecting properties that became gathering places for family and friends-from their Mittersill chalet and the Profile Club in Franconia, New Hampshire, to their beloved home among the Spanish moss-covered oaks during their 36 years on the Amelia Island Plantation in Florida.
Six children survive Paul and Eleanor: Diana Harrison, Wendy Fay and her husband Jeff Livesay, Chip Fay and his wife Nonette Royo, Judy Barron and her husband Jeff Barron, Deborah Lindahl, and Amy Kopfler and her husband Michael Kopfler; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who all knew him as a loving patriarch who greeted each with a kiss on the head; and countless friends whose lives he touched with his generosity, humor and expansive spirit.
A man who travelled the globe, valued education, supported his church and never gave up on life, Paul Curley Fay leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and the profound example of a life fully lived. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Paul's fervent wish to stay in his home was realised thanks to the loving support of family members and neighbours, especially Kathy and De Witt Storm, along with his exceptional caregivers Vangie Sy and Rasheedah Coote.
A memorial Mass will be held at Saint Michael's Catholic Church on Amelia Island on October 18, 2025, at 11 am. Donations in Paul's memory may be made to St. Michael Academy, Fernandina Beach, FL.
Please share your memories or condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.