Paul E. McGilvray

Paul E. McGilvray, a lifelong resident of Woburn passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness, at his home with his loving wife by his side, Sunday, December 29, 2024. He was 81. Paul was the beloved husband for 43 years of Cornelia "Connie" (Cowan) McGilvray. Born in Woburn he was the son of the late Joseph D. and Marion L. (Judge) McGilvray, Sr.
Paul was a 1962 graduate of Woburn High School, where he played varsity hockey under Coach Bob Connolly. Following graduation, he proudly served in the US Army National Guard stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. After the military Paul was advised by a dear friend: "They are hiring down at Polaroid; it`s a good company." So began a wonderful 43-year career at Polaroid, starting as a Quality Control Inspector and retiring as a Purchasing Manager with many stops and responsibilities along the way, there he met many dear friends and could always create lots of laughter at the cafeteria lunch table.
While at Polaroid, he met his future wife, Cornelia Cowan. It must have been a strong love because he could overlook the fact that she was a "non-Woburnite." Paul and Connie were married for 43 years.
Paul loved his Beach St. home and especially his yard where he was often seen mowing his lawn outfitted in his signature khaki pants and white oxford shirt. Paul was a sharp dresser. He loved clothes and he wore them well. In 1986 Paul and Connie found a cottage in Little Neck, Ipswich where they created many memories and enduring friendships. It was in Ipswich where Paul developed his love of boating. He enjoyed many different boats, but they were all named "Toes Up." A perfect day found him in Ipswich Bay with friends and relatives aboard, having a few "cold ones." Paul and Connie travelled frequently, usually with their ideal travel companions, John and Ruth Duran. Together, they visited the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, San Diego, Las Vegas and Aruba, just to name a few.
Following his retirement from Polaroid, Paul worked for 15 years for the Dello Russo family. He so enjoyed debriefing current events with his fellow dress men and could often be seen holding an umbrella or parking a car at 60 Pleasant Street.
Paul maintained his membership at the Woburn 908 Elks for 58 years. He was also a member of the Woburn Irish American Club, the Woburn City Athletic Club, and a "Life Member" of the Ipswich Bay Yacht Club.
He was generous, funny, and always honest. Paul will be greatly missed by many.
In addition to his beloved wife Connie, Paul is survived by his brother, Joseph D. McGilvray Jr. of Woburn and his late wife Catherine, sister, Marcia A. Wells of Woburn and her late husband Michael. He was the cherished uncle of Jennifer Driscoll and her husband Rob of Wilmington, Josephe D. McGilvray III and his wife Daniela of Reading, Michael Wells and his wife Lynne of Woburn, Paul Wells and his wife Nora of Dedham. He is further survived by seven loving great nieces and nephews. Brother-in-law of the late Oliver T. Cowan, Christopher F. Cowan, and Brian A. Cowan.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Saturday, January 4th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be held on Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions in Paul's memory may be VNA Care, Fund Development Office, 100 Trade Center, Suite G-500, Woburn, MA 01801 or to the charity of your choice.