Roger D. Paul
Roger D. Paul, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Aug. 17, 2019 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport.
He leaves his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth (Tuohey) Paul; his daughter, Kathleen (Paul) Cavagnaro; his sons, Timothy (late Ann Marie DeCesare) Paul and William (Timothy Hawkins) Paul; grandchildren, Brian (Michelle) Cavagnaro, Mary Cavagnaro, Emily Cavagnaro, Nicole Cavagnaro (Demia, Devin, Diovanni Cavagnaro), and Ashlynn Lewis.
He was predeceased by his beloved son, David R. Paul; brother, Gordon Paul; and brothers-in-law, Richard Tuohey and James Tuohey.
Born Oct. 3, 1934 and raised in Dayton, N.Y., he was the son of Earl and Wilma Paul and the stepson of Morris Robbins.
As a child, Roger worked on his grandfather’s farm, inspiring a lifelong work ethic, a desire to volunteer, and a love of gardening. He met his wife, Elizabeth Tuohey, a nurse working in Gowanda, N.Y., and they were married in 1956 at St. Patrick’s Church in Lockport. While raising his family in Holley, Roger managed several Acme Markets before attending Rochester Institute of Technology and graduating from SUNY Brockport with a bachelor’s degree in education. Moving to Lockport in 1970, he was a substitute teacher in the Lockport middle schools and high school. He then began his career at Harrison Radiator as a supervisor, retiring in 1988.
Roger and Liz enjoyed travel through many U.S. states, Canada and Ireland. Once retired, they spent winters in Seminole, Fla., where Roger enjoyed many close friendships and family visits.
He volunteered throughout his life. He was CCD Coordinator and a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Patrick’s (now All Saints) Parish, and Ombudsman for Niagara County. He shared his talent as a gardener at the Children’s Memorial Park. He served on the Twin Oaks Board of Governors in Florida.
Roger found great joy working in his garden, and it was a sight to behold each year. His green thumb produced beautiful annuals, perennials, and delicious fruits and vegetables that he proudly shared with family and friends.
The family will be present from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tue., Aug. 20 at Taylor & Reynolds Funeral Home, 70 Niagara St., Lockport, where prayers will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wed., Aug. 21. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Parish, 76 Church St., Lockport, at 10 am. Interment will take place at Cold Springs Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials to Niagara Hospice House or Catholic Charities would be appreciated by the family.
