Paul Marshall Abel, of Palm Harbor, Florida died suddenly and unexpectedly of pancreatic cancer. A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22nd, at Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens at 1:30.
Paul would have celebrated his 90th birthday in January. Paul was born to Genevieve (Jenny) and August (Jack) Abel during the Great Depression, and was raised in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Margaret (Peggy) Abel. He is survived by his significant other, Sandra (Sandy) Rose; three children, Annie, Paul Jr, and Carol; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Paul served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War era as a flight engineer.
Professionally, he was a successful businessman who owned several companies, and served as Chairman of Public Works for the City of Holyoke. He was a proud Mason and member of the Masonic Lodge of Western Massachusetts and had longstanding friendships with Masonic brothers in Florida.
His hobbies capture the essence of his life. The consumate adventurer, Paul lived life to the hilt. After completing training in boating, sailing and scuba diving, he rented schooners and sailed throughout the Caribbean, returning home with tails of exploring uncharted islands and close encounters with sharks, giant manta rays, and barracuda.
He enjoyed touring New England on his motorcycle, owned a motorcycle repair shop for a time, and sponsored a motorcycle hill-climb team.
When not sailing or touring he enjoyed skating (He roller-bladed with his grandchildren in Georgia and could out-skate his college-aged grandson in Florida).
He and his wife Peggy trained under professional skating coaches and competed as roller dancers individually and as a couple in events across the country. They won numerous titles from 1995 on. They were New England senior champions and competed in the nationals in 1997. There, Paul placed in the top ten nationally. After Peggy’s passing, Paul continued to roller dance in Florida with his partner Sandy with who he also enjoyed cruises, dancing and dining.
He and his wife attended Christ Church in Palm Harbor for many years.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Paul with a memorial gift consider contributing to one of his favorite charities: Sun Coast Hospice, Shriners Hospital or St. Luke Children’s Hospital, or another worthy charity.
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Paul! He and my Aunt Peggy were such an amazing couple. I learned firsthand from them how to enjoy life. Because of them, I never hesitate to “seize the day” and do things that I enjoy. They allowed me to impose myself at their lake house so that I could have “cousin time” (Carol & Ann Marie were the sisters I never had) & Paul Jr. helped me go on adventures and be brave. I am thankful that Sandy helped my uncle through his grief and brought joy back into his life after the passing of my Aunt Peggy. Uncle Paul got me started in my environmental career & always had such great advice to share. Uncle Paul always seemed to have a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, as if he were up to something and he probably was! He will forever remain in my heart and bring a smile to my face whenever I look back at the precious memories I have of him. May my Uncle Paul rest in peace and may peace be with you all! Hugs from Cousin Kathy, Walt & the kids
I wish I could have had the pleasure of knowing him, the father I never got to know, from what I’m reading he seemed to be a wonderful person, I wish he could have met me and I him. My condolences to my half siblings. Sincerely JoAnn Mercure
Wish I would have had the pleasure of meeting you Father, you sounded like a wonderful person.