Paul J. McCool

Paul Joseph McCool, 81, of Stratham, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 12, 1944 in Boston, Massachusetts to Charles McCool and Florence McCool (née Hartnett), Paul grew up in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood alongside his brother, Charles, and his sister, Barbara.

Paul began his college studies at Merrimack College and later earned a bachelor's degree in theology from Saint John's Seminary, initially intending to become a Catholic priest. Those plans changed when he met the love of his life, Janice.

Paul dedicated his professional life to public service. He began his career as a social worker in Boston before moving to the Chicago area, where he joined the Great Lakes VA Hospital, coordinating voluntary services. That role launched a distinguished 30-plus-year career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he served in a variety of hospital administration roles across the country. He achieved his goal of becoming a VA Hospital Director, leading multiple hospitals nationwide. His career culminated in his final assignment as Director of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, affiliated with Yale University. Paul took great pride in his work and held deep respect for those who served our nation. He retired in 2001, settling in Maine and New Hampshire.

Paul's career took his family across the United States, including homes in South Dakota, Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, and throughout New England. He embraced each move with enthusiasm, genuinely enjoying the opportunity to experience new

communities, cultures, and corners of the country. Wherever they landed, Paul and Janice created warm, welcoming homes. They brought their children, Jeffrey and Coreen, along on this journey - an adventure that fostered resilience, lifelong

friendships, and a love of travel. Paul took immense pride in the people his children were becoming along the way.

On his life's journey, Paul shared 57 devoted years of marriage with his beloved wife, Janice. Together they loved traveling across the United States and around the world. Ireland was his favorite destination, where he enjoyed a pint at a local pub, conversation with fellow Irishmen, and visiting relatives in the Donegal region.

Back at home, nothing brought Paul more joy than being a grandfather. He adored his five grandsons - Joshua, Duncan, Camden, Gabriel, and Maxwell - and entertained them with his dry sense of humor, mystery rides, Grandma and Grandpa Camp, morning inspections, and the occasional off-key song. His humor and mischievous spirit will be deeply missed by his "grandboys" and all who knew and loved him.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Florence McCool, and his brother, Charles.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janice McCool; his sister, Barbara Pitts; his son, Jeffrey McCool and his wife, Charlene McCool; his daughter, Coreen McCool and her husband, Daniel Ostrower; and his five grandsons.

Visitation hours for Paul will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine Street, Exeter, NH. A funeral service for Paul will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00am, at Brewitt Funeral Home in Exeter.

In his final years, Paul battled the effects of advancing Parkinson's disease. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.