Paul was born on November 30, 1949 in Arlington, Virginia, to Theda and Peter Henle. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1971 and later received a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He studied percussion at the Manhattan School of Music.
Paul’s love of New Hampshire began in childhood with happy summer vacations. His early career included logging in the New Hampshire woods, working on a dairy farm, and theatre production at the Barnstormers in Tamworth. He went on to become a lead programmer with Primavera Systems, a trusted realtor, and ultimately retired as a community organizer from the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund in Concord.
Paul excelled at making music. He played percussion for many years in the Lakes Region with the Irish band, Odd Men Out. He also played with the New Hampshire Music Festival and the Scottish band Tullochgorum and was the percussionist for several recordings of New England musicians. Paul’s own cd is “The Golden Keyboard: Celtic Marimba.” Most recently, his String Quartet #1 in A Major was premiered on March 18, 2018 by members of the Holyoke Civic Symphony at a chamber music concert.
Paul was devoted to serving the people of New Hampshire. He worked tirelessly for the Democratic Party for many years, first in Carroll County. He later represented Merrimack District 12 (Concord, Ward 2) in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2012-2018 and served on the Ways and Means Committee.
He is survived by his wife, Blair Deborah Newcomb; brother Michael Henle and wife, Cynthia Comer; brother James Henle and wife, Portia; daughter Elizabeth Henle from a previous relationship; a niece, two nephews, two great nephews, and several cousins.
Paul will be remembered always for his gentle kindness, bright intellect, good humor, and wit.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests or New Hampshire Legal Assistance.
Memorial visiting hours will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Monday, October 29, 2018 at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord. A private burial service will held at a later date in Sandwich, NH.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord, NH.
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