Paul Bodenhofer

Niantic - Paul Bodenhofer, 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family Aug. 11, 2025. Born into an Air Force family in Pasadena, Calif., he spent his formative years moving across the globe, from California to Germany, Texas to Hawaii and the Philippines, before leaving home as a 17-year-old to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy. He was a proud member of the class of 1969. It was there, during his first year, that Paul attended a YMCA dance in New London and met the love of his life, Candace. Thus began the grand adventure that they shared for the next 60 years.

Paul's 20-year career in the Coast Guard, first as a sea-going officer and then as an attorney and judge, took Paul and Candace from coast to coast. Their son, Erik, arrived while they were stationed in Ketchikan, Alaska. Their next stop was Miami where Paul attended the University of Miami School of Law. Their daughter, Kristen, was born while they were living in Seattle, Wash. Tours in New York City and Kodiak, Alaska followed, with the journeys across the country made in the family's beloved pop-up Volkswagen camper. Paul's final assignment brought the family back to Candace's hometown of East Lyme, and he served two tours as the Staff Legal Officer at the Coast Guard Academy before retiring in 1989.

Paul then began his second career working for the State of Connecticut, first in the Department of Corrections and then for the Office of Labor Relations, retiring for the final time in 2012. Paul was born for retirement. He and Candace traveled the world together (Majorca being his favorite destination), played golf, and cheered at countless grandchild sporting events and concerts. Paul brewed his own beer, was a voracious reader, and a master of trivia. At his family's insistence, he auditioned for Jeopardy and was selected to be a contestant. Unfortunately, it was the season of Ken Jennings, and he was never called up, but we know he would have dominated.

Paul was a lover of terrible jokes and even worse movies. He volunteered at the soup kitchen in Norwich, the USCGA Alumni Association, and Voluntary Income Tax Assistance for Norwich Human Services. He was an Eagle scout who enjoyed camping his whole life until he decided that sleeping on the ground was only for the young. A lifelong athlete, Paul loved to play volleyball, softball, racquetball, and soccer. Though he was a very active person, he was just as happy in his recliner reading a book or watching shows on BritBox.

Four years ago, Paul received a donor kidney from his favorite child, Kristen. We are very grateful to his transplant team at Hartford Hospital who took such great care of him.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Mary, and his younger brother, Bruce. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Candace; son Erik and daughter-in-law Myev; daughter Kristen; and sisters, Barbara Crawford and Paula Ostlund. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Anya and Jake, to whom he was better than a grandpa, he was a Buppa.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the Coast Guard Academy Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United States Coast Guard Museum. To sign the online guest book visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com.