Paul Octave Herbert Davidson

Paul Octave Herbert Davidson, 82, a beloved son, husband, brother, brother-in-law, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, at his cherished lake house, surrounded by family and his faithful dog, Sandy.
Born on February 21, 1942, in Bronxville, NY, to Alice and James Davidson, Paul grew up in Manhattan at 1160 The Avenue alongside his brothers Alex and Mike. Summers were spent in Rosalyn, Virginia, working on his grandfather's farm, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for family traditions.
Paul excelled in athletics during his high school years, earning state championships as a wrestler and playing football. After graduation, he took a year off before attending Miami University, where he also played football. However, Paul put his football ambitions on hold to grow his first family, marrying Rita and welcoming three children, Debbie, Chris, and Beth.
Paul's career path led him to Philadelphia, PA, where he joined Westmoreland Coal Mine as an accountant. His hard work and dedication saw him rise to a supervisor role, but life had more in store for him. After his divorce from Rita, Paul met Bette at the office. What began as a friendship blossomed into a beautiful lifelong partnership. Paul's first move-an unforgettable kiss-set both their hearts on a new path. They married on October 12, 1975, and began building a life filled with love and adventure. Together, they welcomed two more daughters, Laura and Rachel.
Paul's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when he left the corporate world to pursue his dream of owning a restaurant. He and Bette purchased a property in Lake Harmony, PA, and after three years of hard work and dedication, Piggys Restaurant opened its doors in 1985. Paul poured his heart into the kitchen, creating recipes that are still treasured today, while Bette ran the dining room with warmth and care. The restaurant became a thriving business and a gathering place for family and friends-a true reflection of Paul's generous spirit.
Paul adored his family above all else and took immense pride in his five children, Debra, Chris, Beth, Laura, and Rachel, and his six grandchildren, Vicky, Abby, Nicole, Kari, Killian, and Avi, and his two great-grandchildren, Emmitt and Juliet.
He treasured family vacations, whether skiing in the snowy peaks of Vermont, immersing himself in Europe's rich culture, or taking in the breathtaking views along Route One on the West Coast. However, his greatest joy came from sharing these adventures with Bette. Together, they created countless memories, traveling and cherishing every moment. Among their most beloved experiences was a four-month journey sailing the lower half of the Great Loop on a 50-foot Gibson houseboat. Later, they upgraded to a 65-foot Bluewater yacht, spending their winters cruising Florida's Intracoastal Waterway and their summers near Philadelphia. Eventually, they traded life on the water for a new adventure-purchasing a home in Florida to enjoy warm winters and retreating to their lake house on Lake Harmony, PA, during the summer months.
He passed away in the place he loved most-his lake house-overlooking the water that brought him peace and joy. Paul lived an extraordinary life, marked by hard work, love, resilience, and an unshakable devotion to the people he held dear.
Paul Octave Herbert Davidson will be deeply missed but forever remembered. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he loved and the memories he created. Rest in peace, Paul. I know that your love and light will remain with us always.
Services: A funeral service will be held at 3 PM on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 1629 Hamilton Street, Allentown. A viewing will be held prior from 2-3 PM at the funeral home.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad https://lake-harmony-rescue-squad.square.site/product/lake-harmony-rescue-squad-donation/9?cs=true&cst=custom