I met Paul twice in 1999 through a mutual friend. I was from out of town visiting Florida for the week and stayed on the Stetson campus. 

I was introduced to Paul, who was so friendly that you'd think we knew each other for years. He was warm, friendly, welcoming, and made the two times I hung with him memorable. He showed me Clearwater Beach - which to this day is still my favorite beach. Such a great guy with a good heart. So giving, positive, and outgoing. 

The first time I met him, something happened to my pants. He offered me - a stranger he had just met maybe an hour before - a pair of his. He invited me into his home and treated me like family. THAT is the kind of guy he was and I never forgot it or him, even though it's been over 20 years since I last saw or communicated with him.

About 10 years ago, I was thinking of him, Googled him, and saw his firm ads. I made it a point that if I ever relocated down there, I'd reconnect with him and he'd easily be my lawyer. 

Today as I thought of him again and looked him up, I find the sad news of his passing. I can only offer my deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was someone I met only twice, but left such an impression on me that I could never forget him. And I never will. 

Sometimes it’s the very people that no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.  I don’t remember where I heard that from or who said it but when I did hear it.  I immediately thought of Paul.  In my many years of knowing Paul.  I witnessed so many unimaginable things he did to help people.  It’s funny when we were 19 year old kids in the Coast Guard (CG) together our supervisors thought nothing of us.  They thought we were both troublemakers with no hope of achieving anything in life.  They called Paul a Sea Lawyer and they thought I was just a punk kid.  As you can see, they were all very wrong about us, especially Paul.

 

As I mentioned previously, Paul and I were both in the CG based out of Seattle, WA.  He was stationed on the CG Icebreaker Polar Star, and I was stationed on the CG Icebreaker Polar Sea.   We met each other playing video games and foosball in the Recreation (rec) deck on CG Base Seattle.  It was a place where young kids like us could get away from our boats and have some fun.  He would come get me off my boat and I would go and get him off his boat.  We would both head straight for the rec deck.  That’s where Paul and I became friends.

 

Paul and I were very similar with each other.  We were both extremely competitive on literally everything.  Every time we played a game and he started losing.  He would start cheating.  Lol.  When we would play foosball.  I would say “Alright dude, no spinnings!”  What does he do when he starts losing?  He starts spinning every one of his guys like crazy and the ball goes flying all over the place.  When it came to video games.   We loved playing Galaga, Pac Man, Donkey Kong, and Asteroids.  If I started winning, he would purposely hit my joystick or a button and something of mine would get destroyed.  He would start laughing as he’s running away me.  When I eventually caught him.  I’d tackle him to the ground.  That’s what we did to each other constantly.  We were kids having a blast together.

 

Then we both got transferred off our boats and stationed there on CG Base Seattle.  I believe soon after that Thanksgiving was coming up and I asked him what he was doing for Thanksgiving?  He said “Nothing.”  I said “Bull!  You’re coming home with me to Montana.”  He was so happy and so was I.  I could on and on about that trip which involved Paul wrecking my car and many-many other things but let’s just say it was a crazy fun trip.

 

When we got back from Montana.  We both found ourselves getting really bored with the rec deck.  Let me tell you that’s where the REAL fun started as we both obtained fake IDs.  Our eyes were opened to a new and fun world of dance clubs and bars in Seattle.  That’s when Seattle was grudging with Nirvana and Pearl Jam.  One can only imagine what two kids, one from Boston, and the other from Montana.  The fun we would have together.  Paul and I would go to dance clubs and bars every single weekend.  We made it a point to know every bartender and bouncer at the clubs and bars we went too.  Our favorite song was “Just got paid” by Johnny Kemp.  We were in having the time of our lives picking up older girls.  God, it was so much fun.

 

Our favorite dance club was on the water called Spinnakers.  That’s where I threw a party for Paul’s his 21st birthday.  As many of you know Paul never drank.  I certainly did but Paul hated it.  He hated the taste of alcohol, and he didn’t like not being in control.  I Paul reminded many times before we got to the club.  If someone asks you how old you’re going to be.  You have to say you’re going to be 23.  So, I and many others of our friends gave him girly drinks like Cosmopolitans, Sex on the beach and Mai Tais.  Drinks I knew he could handle.  As our friends sat and babysat Paul.  I then went straight for the dance floor with my girlfriend.  All the sudden my girl says “Yea, something is going on with Paul.”  So, I run over there and I’m like what’s up?  The manager of the club looked at me and asked me how old is Paul going to be?  Before I could even answer the question.  Paul yells out “I told you already.”  “I’m going to be 21.”  All I could do was shake my head.  Let’s just say we didn’t get kicked out but the manager and bouncers especially the bouncers were very unhappy with us.  I then through Paul and his girl in a cab and told him Happy Birthday, you, ?%$@!  He looks at me and says “I love you, bro.” as I’m shaking my head.  I look back at him and I asked him “Dude, how old are you going to be?”  His girl who’s giving me the evil eye which I recall was twenty-four at the time turns to him and yells at him “Just say 23, please.”

 

I could go on and on about the crazy stuff Paul and I did together as kids, but I’m sure you get picture.  Now this is the timeframe where Paul and Rosie got together.  Well, let’s backspace there a bit.  I met Rosie first.  Actually, I went out with Rosie’s sister, Annie, first then I went out with Rosie.  Then Paul swooped in right behind me and swept Rosie right off her feet.  They were the perfect couple.  My best friend and little adorable, sweet Rosie.

 

Couple years later Paul and Rosie marry in Oregon.  I was supposed to be Paul’s best man at his wedding, but I was away on CG training.  Paul was my best man at my wedding in Boston.  I flew down for his graduation from Stetson Law school.  He flew up for my promotion party when I was promoted to “Chief” in the CG.  Our kids are the same age.  Many times, Paul and I would meet each other in different cities for various sporting events.  i.e., Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Finals  It’s funny talking about our kids ages.  Paul and I were the same age.  Well, I was two months older than him, and I remember we would watch the movies Top Gun and Cocktail over and over again.  Especially, Cocktail, it was our favorite movie.  I would say just because of my age I was his elder and that makes me “Maverick.”  Lol.  He would look at me and say “CASSEL!”  Let me say this before I move forward.  Paul was the only person one in the world that called me by that name as if it was my first.  To this day, I don’t know why, and I never asked him, but when something came up that was serious to both of us, he would always call me “Johnny.”  Anyways, we would go back and forth who was Goose and who was Maverick.  (Trust me, even as kids I knew who was Maverick and it wasn’t me.)

 

The reason I mention this is because when the new Top Gun “Maverick” movie came out Paul and I went to it.  I remember Paul wanted one of those huge buckets of popcorn, but they didn’t have any up front and the kid said they were totally out of them.  So, Paul was like “I want a discount off the smaller one then.”  The kid said he couldn’t do that, and Paul asked for the Manager.  Paul said his peace and the Manager went all way in the back and came back with a whole bunch of new big buckets.  Paul told the kid that he was going to watch him pour the butter on his popcorn.  Just in case the kid decided to spit in his bucket.  Lol.  All I could do was shake my head and laugh to myself.  As were we walking down the aisle to the movie’s door.   I started laughing to myself and he asked me what I was laughing about.  I then pushed him into the wall and yelled “I’m laughing at you Goose.”  I start running as I’m still laughing and Paul yells “CASSEL, you’re so dead!”  I could hear his running steps behind me as he nicks the bottom of my shoe and almost makes me fall on my face and spill our drinks.  I was like “Dude, you almost made me spill our drinks!”  He yells back at me “That’s because I’m Maverick and you’re Goose.”  I said “Noooo, if you were Maverick.  You would have made me spill our drinks, but you didn’t so that makes you Goose and I’m Maverick.”

 

He then rips open the movie entrance doors and were yelling at each other who’s Maverick and who’s Goose right under the stadium seats.  Just as we turn left towards the seats.  We hear people laughing.  Some guy yells “What’s up, Maverick?”  “What’s up, Goose?”  Paul has his arms spread out saying to me “See, Cassel, I’m Maverick.”   I have my hand covering my eyes and pointing towards Paul saying, “He’s Goose!”  Lol.  Paul then sits down and I’m like “What are you doing?  He says, “I’m sitting down waiting for the movie to start.”  “What are you doing?”  I’m like “Dude, you’re sitting in the handicap seats!”  Paul says “Yea, you’re the most handicap person I know.”  I’m like “Oh, My God.”  “Dude, there’s only two seats.”  Literally, there were only two seats right next to each other.  No other seats.  Just two seats for handicap.  Paul says, “Are you going to sit down or not?”  I said “Not!”  “These are for handicap people and there’s only two seats right next to each other.”  Paul looks at me and says “Cassel, you’re the only person in the world that would complain about the best seats in the house.”  “Now sit down and shut up.”  I reluctantly sat down and said “Don’t tell me to shut up, Paul.  You shut up!”  As he’s laughing at me.  He looks at me and says, “Just like old times, huh?”  I said, “You mean the time we went to the movies and somehow, we ended up in the back seat of a police car?”  He’s like “Dude, I’m the one that got caught by the dogs!”  I’m like “Yea, so, I got cuffed up and thrown through a fricken door.”  

 

As were both laughing at each other. He pauses and looks at me, punches me in the shoulder, and says, “I’m still pissed at you for all the years we missed without each other.”  I said “Dude, I am too.”  “But I’m really happy we're back together.”  He then said “Yeah, me too.” “I’m happy I got my best friend back.”  I said “Me too.”  I paused and looked at him and said “Listen, dork, do me a favor and don’t tell anyone about this.”  Paul says “About what?”  I said, “About the Maverick thing and the handicap seats.”  He’s like “Why not?”  “It’s funny.”  I said  “Dude, what are you stupid?”  “You and I are yelling at each other who’s Maverick and who's Goose." "The movie were seeing is for old people because were old now and the movie is called Maverick."  "Not mention were sitting in the handicap seats." “How stupid is that?” He’s like “Ok.”  “I won’t tell anyone.”  “I won’t tell anyone if admit to me right now who’s Maverick.”  I looked at him and just shook my head.  He laughs and says, “Admit it, Cassel.”  “I win again.”  I put my hand over my mouth and said in a muffled tone “You are.”  He’s laughing in his hyena way and says, “I can’t hear you.”  I said “Ok, you win.” “Now shut up.”  Paul quickly says “I win and don’t tell me to shut up.” “You shut up.”

 

That’s how Paul and I were with each other. It’s like he and I grew up but never grew up.  I never talked or acted that way with any of my other friends I made throughout the years.  None of them.  Paul, was my best friend.  We were best friends.  I loved him like a brother.  Paul and I did some absolute crazy stuff together as kids and as adults.  We were loyal to each other.  We were loyalist to the very end. Sometime it’s the very people that no imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.

I miss you, bro.
Your Best Friend,
Johnny 

I was Paul's Litigation Paralegal about 10 years ago.  His persona outside of the office was so different than inside.  In the office he overreacted, yelled a lot and made some days difficult.  Then I attended trial with him.  And there was a man who was the total opposite.  He was fun, made me laugh, was silly and he cracked me up.  I actually had an entertainingly good time that week.  Him and I are the same age.  When  I heard about this it took my breath.

My condolences to his family, especially his children.  May you somehow find peace with this.  I am so sorry for this loss.

Rest easy, Paul!  You are a good guy!

Me and my family will miss you my friend,rest in peace!!!


Paul was like a brother and a 2nd father.  A true mentor to me and so many others. My wife Liza Daly & myself were blessed and fortunate enough to know Paul for over 11 years. In that time we shared so many great laughs & memories with him. So many trips, dinners, concerts and comedy shows that Ill hold onto and cherish forever. Paul also was our legal represention for Liza, Myself, my father and dozens other friends of ours. He always won because thats what he did. He fought for all of us and made us all so proud. Paul had many special gifts but one of them was he always made sure everyone was ok and having a good time. He put everyone before himself and was a true angel on earth making everyone feel special and important always. He was a great cook and even knew how to make his own sushi by hand which we enjoyed a lot. He also had a non stop supply of great dance moves too. We love Paul so very much and will miss him greatly. I know he would want us to keep our chins up and keep moving forward so thats what we will do. We love you so much Paul. Until we meet again brother- fly high- God Bless❤❤❤

Paul was a best friend of mine. He was always available to offer advice and just hang out together. We traveled a lot with our kids together. He was a wonderful father! His death brought tears and sadness to me. Paul, you will always be in my heart and our memories together will be cherished! 

Paul always loved dressing up for Halloween and would always go all out! One of the best guys I know and so lucky to have the opportunity to get to be apart of his life. 

Paul was a great friend of mine and was always the life of the party. 

Paul was my friend and I had many great experiences with him. He believed in himself. He gambled on himself when he hung his own shingle and started his firm. He taught me to always be the wildest in the room while maintaing the best state of perception. He was a force. He loved his family and more so his children. I will miss him. Rest easy and save me a seat.


Paul was such a genuinely good and helpful attorney and man who helped me through a very difficult time and a seemingly nearly unhandlable situation. I really came to love and respect him. He took care of me and protected me like a family member. He won for me! I was shocked to hear of his unexpected passing at such a young age and send my condolances to his children and his whole family. Sincerely, Linda Struthers

As I reflect upon the time we have had on this earth with Paul...I am very grateful for the 30 years of friendship and kindness. I always knew I could count on Paul for anything, no matter how big or small.  Our families did a lot together when our kids were younger and I will always remember the good times we all had. I will miss that infectious smile! ~Desiree

I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s death. I waited on him many times and he loved to joke around and tease; we had a joke button and when we pressed it, it sang: 
“EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!” And, 
we got him dancing! He was pretty bad but we all had fun! He loved his children and talked about them all the time. He was so proud of them all. I will truly miss him. I am sending all  my love and prayers to his family. 
Sincerely, 
Debbie Kimbrell 


I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s death. I waited on him many times at the bank and he liked to tease and joke around. He had a very funny sense of humor. We had a joke button, that when we pressed it, it said, 
“EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!” And we got him dancing! He was pretty bad, but it was really fun. I am sending love and prayers for his dear family, especially his children. He was so proud of all of them! He talked about them all the time and expressed his love for them. I will truly miss him. 
Love from Deborah Kimbrell

Paul, we laughed, loved, argued, and cried together. Our friendship became so much more through the years, marriage, births of our kids, birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, parties, dinners, and outings, more like family. I cherish our times and memories and will forever miss your boldness, confidence, spirit, and laugh. You blessed so many people with your presence, kindness, and friendship. Rest In Peace. 

You are deeply missed Paul. You were truly the best boss  I’ve ever worked for.  You felt more like a friend to me than a boss.  The silence of your absence here at the office is just overwhelming. 

You always listened to my ideas and trusted in my abilities. You were always so positive and there was never a dull moment working for you. One of your favorite things to say was “Everyday is an adventure.” I will always remember that. I also want to thank you for teaching me to drive. When everyone gave up on teaching me you never did. 

I will miss you “fearless leader.” 

My condolences to the family. He was such a good boss. Such a good person. May God continually bless your family.

Paul...

You went away so suddenly
We did not say "good-bye".
But family can never be parted because
Precious memories never die...

Our memory of Paul was on a cruise to celebrate our son Scott's wedding to his sister Gina.  It was a wonderful weekend with many adventures and good times were had by all.  

Rest in Peace.... Fondly, Paul and Debbie Keatley

OBITUARY

Paul Joseph Puzzanghera

21 May, 1968 – 4 July, 2022

Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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