Paul C. Lickwar

Paul Lickwar, 83, of Plainville, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, New Britain, after a heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Paul was born May 31, 1942, in New Britain, one of five children of Jennie (Mader) and Bob Lickwar. Paul grew up in Ledgecrest in New Britain. He joined the Navy in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1962 after a motor vehicle accident resulted in a broken back.

Paul met the love of his life, Kathie Camp, in a restaurant---after taking credit for sending her a drink someone else had sent. He eventually won over Kathie's parents, Frank and Clara (Morante) Camp, who were initially dubious of this man with a preference for tight mustard-colored pants, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes rolled up in his t-shirt sleeve, and naps. Paul and Kathie married on March 15, 1969, in Plainville, where they built a full life together. Kathie and Paul were a wonderful example of "opposites attract," with Paul's sense of humor offsetting Kathie's serious side, and Kathie's exuberance and love of life bringing Paul out of his shell and introducing him to new people, places, and things.

Paul and Kathie had two daughters, Audrey, of Belmont, MA, and Cara, of Pittsburgh, PA. Paul was the ideal dad, understanding and hilarious, and always up for shooting basketballs in the driveway, rooting from the bleachers at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, siding with his daughters in disagreements with their mom, taking on granddog-sitting responsibilities, and doing anything he could for "the girls" right up until he was no longer able.

Paul cherished his lifelong friends. He met Tom Rustico and Bob Mazzoni as a boy, and the three remained best friends until the end, with "Skinny" and "Bobby" visiting him several times a month. In 1968, Paul and Kathie introduced Tom to his future wife of 53 years, Kathie's best friend, Phyllis Anastasion. Paul's other best friend was his brother-in-law, Rusty Camp, whose tragic death in October of 2023 devastated Paul and thus greatly exacerbated the symptoms of his disease.

With these buddies and others, Paul loved to play golf and had been a member of both Chippanee Golf Club and the Country Club of Farmington. As soon as the temperature began to drop in Plainville, Paul looked forward to traveling with Kathie to Jupiter, Florida, where he could again hit the links. He also enjoyed traveling to other places with Kathie, the Rusticos, and the Mazzonis; their trips to Normandy and Reykjavík were among his favorites.

Paul also enjoyed spending time with his family. He always looked forward to the annual Lickwar summer picnic in Barrington, Rhode Island, and to "Lickwar Christmas," held in mid-January.

Paul was a mischievous, sensitive, and funny man who made friends wherever he went. He made several close companions at Arbor Rose, where he spent his final year. The family would like to thank the caregivers and residents of Arbor Rose for making his time there as comfortable and happy as possible. He especially enjoyed the field trips and the musical performances! The family is also so appreciative of and grateful for Paul's 24/7 companion during his last few months, David from Dedicated Companion. David's compassionate care of, concern for, attention to, and personal connection with Paul cannot be overstated.

Remaining to cherish Paul's memory, in addition to his immediate family, are his brother and A#1 fishing partner, Deacon Carl Lickwar of South Windsor and his wife, Nancy; his brother-in-law, Paul Eshoo, of Kensington; his 11 nieces and nephews and their children; his many cousins as well as those of Kathie, especially Christine Gawrys and Kathy and Dave Kershaw (much-anticipated weekly provider of Dunkin munchkins and McDonald's mocha frappes); and his many friends and golfing and bowling pals. The dogs of Bradley Street also feel his loss, including Fritz and Charlie, who miss his daily treat handouts.

Preceding Paul in death were his aforementioned parents, in-laws, and brother-in-law. He was also predeceased by three of his siblings, David Lickwar, Patricia Eshoo, and Eleanor Hayes, and, most recently, Phyllis Rustico, Tom's wife, who was also one of Paul's very best friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Plainville Senior Citizens Center. The family would also appreciate donations to the Montgomery County SPCA in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania https://montgomerycountyspca.org/donate/, or Dog Star Rescue in Bloomfield, Connecticut https://dogstarrescue.org/; these organizations provided three of his most-beloved granddogs, Franklin, Charlie, and Velma.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, January 10, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, at the Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville. A prayer service led by Paul's brother, Deacon Carl Lickwar, will be held at 12:30. A lunch will follow. Burial will be private.

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com