Paul A. Cortright, 73, passed away in his home of Clearwater, Fl. on October 31, 2012 with his devoted family by his side.
Paul retired from the US Army as Master Sergeant after 23 years (1958-1981) of service. His military decorations included a Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Army Recruiter Badge. After retiring he moved to Redwood, NY with his wife Linda to begin working another 19 years in the Security Section at Fort Drum before retiring again in 2000 and moving to Florida in 2005.
Paul dedicated his time and passion to the American Legion and was NY State American Legion Commander (2004-2005), Commander of John B. Lyman Post 904 located in Alexandria Bay NY, Jefferson County commander, served in numerous county, state and national leadership positions including vice chairman of the Foreign Relations Council on the National level, and American Chairman for the American/Canadian Goodwill Committee remembering fallen heroes. In 2001 he received honors as Legionnaire of the year from Jefferson County, the Fifth District and the Department of New York.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda; three sons, Paul Jr., David and Randy and spouses; 11 grandchildren; four sisters, Dorothy, Lucille, Jane, & Nancy; a brother, Richard, nieces and nephews and his extended NY State American Legion family. Predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Raymond; and four brothers, Raymond, Donald, Preston, & Walter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Memory of Past NY State Department Commander Paul Cortright’s name to: http://www.legion.org/troops/operationcomfort.
Please sign the guestbook below.
A beautiful tribute message of a wonderful man.
A great tribute to a great friend and Legionnaire. Our sincere condolences to his wife Linda and his family. He will be missed by his Canadian friends. May he rest in peace. We will remember him.
We are so sorry for the passing of Paul. Our hearts and prayers are with you, Linda, and your family. Love, Jan & Ron Sager
We were saddened by the loss of such an honorable man who did so much for the men and women who serve our Country. He will be missed. Our sincerest sympathy to his wonderful wife, Linda and the family.
Paul was missed before his “Eagle Spirit” flew to heaven. His influence will continue to live in each of us that knew him. Fred and Lois
Saddened to hear of Paul’s passing,a great loss to all who knew him.
Say Hello to Ula, Love You
We were deeply saddend when we heard of Paul’s passing. We will always remember the great times we had while traveling with you when he was Department Commander. You have been in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and god bless.
The friendship & love we formed will always be lasting memories. Paul was a great influence and advocate of the American Legion, its principles & programs and of veterans. Paul was a proud American. He was also a great friend, we’ve had some wonderful times just visiting & will always remember our fishing trips. Linda, you are in our thoughts & prayers and always know you have a friend in us.
An inspiration to all generations. Uncle Paul will be greatly missed.
Dear Linda and family
We were saddened to hear the news, but know he is in a better place. It was a distinct pleasure to have known him and served as 5th District President, with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Rest in Peace, old Friend.
Prayers are in place.
Paul was a true friend. Barb and I always looked forward to seeing him at all the American Legion functions both State and National. Linda, our prayers and thoughts are with you and Paul’s family. He will be missed in our Legion family as well.
Our Dear Friend you know our heart is aching for you and the family.We will always be there for you all.We will never forget our dear friend.We love you.
I will miss all the pep talks, the stories, and the jokes, but, mostly I am missing the man across the street.We all know that India Drive will be very lonely without the “Commander.” We feel the lonely here in upstate NY.
I have you in my heart, Linda. This is not an easy place to be after 53 years. I hope that we can help to cheer you when we get there.
I asked Jesus to watch over you, and to give you the strength to get you through your sorrow. Remember to call on your guardian Angel at anytime, anywhere. Friends and neighbors.
Walt and RoseM.
I will miss all the pep talks, the stories, and the jokes, but, mostly I am missing the man across the street.We all know that India Drive will be very lonely without the “Commander.” We feel the lonely here in upstate NY.
I have you in my heart, Linda. This is not an easy place to be after 53 years. I hope that we can help to cheer you when we get there.
I asked Jesus to watch over you, and to give you the strength to get you through your sorrow. Remember to call on your guardian Angel at anytime, anywhere. Friends and neighbors.
Walt and RoseM.
Linda:
Our sincere condolences on your loss. Paul was indeed and inspiration to every Legionnaire that knew him. May he rest in piece.
Linda & family, we were so saddened to hear of Pauls’s passing.We will never forget the times spent with him both here in Broome County (working that PBS Fundraiser with us and again up in the North Country for Goodwill Days! Linda,our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family always. I will always remember Paul for another special reason also, he always called me Barbie when no other Legionnaire had ever done so. We will always carry a soft spot in our hearts for him! Rest in Peace Paul! Much love, from the Beebes of Endicott,NY
As a member of the American Legion in Alexandria Bay, I had the privledge of meeting Paul. At the time I was the new kid on the block, so to speak, with a legion office I wasn’t sure about. Paul took the time and the sincerety to help me understand the mission of the office I held. He didn’t just do this for my benefit, but to better enable me to help those who may need the help of a legion service officer. For this, he will always live in my heart
Linda & family
So sorry for your lost,remember all the good times we all had, Know that he, is a very special angel now watching over all of us. Rest in peace dear friend you will be missed by many.
Linda & Family.
Our thoughts are with all of you as go through this trying time. I loved Paul and he was a great mentor, I sometimes cursed him! But in the end I wouldn’t have missed it. Love to you Linda and hope we will see you in the future.
Cindy Wright & John Flynn Jr. Clayton NY
Aunt Linda and family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. God Bless, Laura, Cynthia, Joey and family.
I’m so happy we had such great times with both Paul and you. Will miss him a lot. We will always be there for you.
A life well served. A man of inspiration to many. It was a privelege to have known him. My prayers and condolences to the family
Linda & Family,
We are both sadened by the news of Paul’s passing. Paul was a tremendous asset to the American Legion at all levels. We miss his dedication and enthusiasm not only as a Legionaire, but as a friend. Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Bob & Betty Neville
Linda from my family to yours our heart felt lost of a good friend. If you ned anything please let me know 315-659-8675. From Post 916 Antwerp Paul will be missed.
Dave & Rita
Linda and family. We were so saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Our sincere condolences and sympathy to you and all of your family. Paul was always after me to become Jefferson County Commander and I know he was happy that I finally did. He will be extremely missed by all of his Legion family.
Paul was the first person we met when we moved into Serendipity. He and his wife Linda made us feel welcome and did a lot of things for us along the way.
A true friend. We will miss him a great deal.
Michell & I are sorry for your loss. Paul was a great inspiration to me when I was starting to really get involved in the American Legion. Michelle and I will really miss him. God bless.
Paul, We will miss you my firend.
Linda, Both Gail and I were shocked however, we know you have your family to comfort you. We will see you in the future.
God bless Paul and Linda and your entire family.
Steve Bowman
4th District Adjutant
So sorry to hear about your loss. Paul was a wonderful man and will be missed. Take care Linda and if we can ever do anything for you, Please let us know.
lOVE,
Al & Helen
So sorry to hear about your loss. Paul was a great man and will be missed. f we can do anythin g for you, Please let us know.
Al & Helen
So sorry for the loss of your husband and father of your children. Please except my deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
I am with heavy heart when typing my words. I had the great pleasure to be Paul’s Co-Chairman of Public Relations when he was ourmy Dept. of NY Commander. I was provided a gift from Paul @ his inauguration,he said, “Gene, I want you to create and DVD with Photos and music of all the postmeetingsevents etc. during my year as Dept. Commander”. A gift to me indeed, as I was able to view my Commander conducting his duties with a presence and stature of a caring, giving and devoted man. I will miss you my friend, but I see you daily as a picture hangs in my office of you and I together. You are always my Commander!
Linda & family,
We were so saddened to hear of Paul passing, He will be verymuchmissed by the entire american Legion Family. We remember always, the traveling we did with him and with you,Linda. Hope to see you when you get up North.
Ray &Carol
WE will miss you and keep your family in our prayers
PAUL WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM.
LINDA, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
Sorry to hear of Paul’s passing, another soul to continue guiding us as his influence will live on through those Legionnaires who continue to serve our fellow veterans. That is his legacy, those who he inspired who continue to serve. Our prayers for comfort are with Linda and the family from his second family.
Kurt vonMaucher, PC
Schenectady County Adjutant
We are sadden to learn of Paul,s passing he will be missed
Our sympathy to ypou and your family,
I give you my deepest sympathy for the loss of a great Friend Paul. I know it is a very trying time for you Linda. Ilost my wige Ruth on the 28th Oct.2006 but life is a challenge. I hope to see you soon. All the best. Don Wood
All I can say is, St. Patty’s Day NYC 2005 .. If ever I had to share my NYC with anyone that day, It was with both you and your wife. We laugh, drank, yelled, took over a bar,… Leprechauns,
what more can I say but you will be missed. Till we meet again,
HAND SALUTE …..
All the best to you Linda I give you my deepest sympathy for the loss of a great friend Paul.
Don Wood Past Canadian Band Judge Chairman Of International Goodwill Day.
Hope to see you soon God Bless.
Sorry Linda for your loss of Paul.I hope to see you some time at the Legion in Alex Bay Post 904.
God Bless your good friend.
Don Wood
My condolences to the family in their time of loss. Paul was a great friend and coworker and I have many fond memories of our days at the physical security office. My prayers go out to the family.
He will be missed by his Legion family
Dear Linda and Family,
We are truly sorry to hear of Paul’s passing.We will remember our good times together. Take care and your all in our prayers.
we are so very sorry and sad to hear about Paul, he was a lovely, kind man and we were honoured to have known him. You are going to miss him so much, and our thoughts are very much with you at this time.
We will never forget how kind and helpful you & Paul were to us when we were looking for somewhere to stay in Florida, and we are just so glad we came to Serendipity and got to spend time with you two lovely people.
Sandra and I are very saddened by Paul’s passing. Paul was a truly wonderful man and the two of you made a great team. We looked forward to seeing you both and have fond memories of being with you at various American Legion events. Paul impressed as a man of outstanding character and straightforwardness. He said what he meant, set the example for others and was looked up to by so many including myself. He was a true leader who exemplified all of the qualities and values associated with professional excellence and service.
Near the end of September, we exchanged e-mails and spoke on the phone when Paul called me with encouragement, words of wisdom and his vote of confidence in my candidacy for Department Commander. At the time, we briefly discussed his illness, but I was heartened by his usual strong sounding voice. I told Paul then and still feel today that it is truly my high honor and privilege to list him as an Honorary Chairman in our campaign.
Later, when I first heard of Paul’s passing, I thought how fortunate I was to have known him and about the people you meet in life who leave a mark; Paul certainly left a positive and unforgettable mark on me.
Uncle Paul gave my parents many beautiful memories and great laughs each weekend over their card games. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. We love you!
I always enjoyed our times together. What a wonderful brother he was. I will miss him.
Dorothy
Paul was always a pleasure to be with and I enjoyed listening to all of his stories. He was a fine brother-in-law.
Harold
You were always the best. You have reached the point of excellent. will miss you very much.
Nov. 17, 2012
We were saddened to hear of the passing of a great and dedicated Legionnaire. Paul will be greatly missed. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family.
A great guy.
I too enjoyed knowing Paul a former member of Post 904, i had the privaledge in working on The Goodwill this past year as The American Chair for Goodwill and I opened the parade in Ontario in Kingston I missed him greatly Also i now hold a Vice Chairman in The American Legion as Distingushed Guest This organization Has lost a great gentleman
I had a great tour as PDVC, 3&4 Districts. I still have the Mug Paul gave me as a gift. Great Person and usually quite jovela.
Linda and Family. I was so sad to hear of Paul’s passing. He sure knew how to make me laugh. We shared recruiting stories and just enjoyed our service. We enjoyed our military retirement as well. Paul had a strong belief in what he did and what he stood for. Oh, yea, working the phones at the PBS station was a story all on its own.
A man I won’t forget. I will miss you and won’t forget what you did for me. I am so glad you let me call you Pops-you were like a dad to me. I am so glad to be your number 4 son. I will never forget you. Thank you for being my best friend.
Love, your #4 son, Lawrence J Montello
Goodbye Uncle Paul. We miss you. You were “one of a kind”. We loved your great stories and sense of humor. Aunt Linda, please know that our hearts and prayers are with you, Paul Jr, David, Randy and their families. We’ll see you soon.