Richard E. Paul

Richard E. Paul, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. He was born in Acushnet, MA, and he spent his life in service to his family, friends, students, and community.

Richard was a proud graduate of New Bedford High School. He went on to earn his B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education from the State College at Boston. His passion for mathematics led him to a distinguished 32-year career in public education.

Richard spent the majority of his career at Arlington High School, where he was more than just a teacher; he was a leader. He served as the President of the Arlington Education Association and played a pivotal role in curriculum development, even authoring the textbook for the Applied Mathematics I course.

Richard was a Framingham Town Meeting Member for nearly 40 years, where he served on several committees, including the Zoning Board of Appeals and the School Capital Planning Committee. He was a longstanding member of the First Parish Church in Framingham, and he served in several capacities including Chairman of the Board of Assessors, Moderator, and Trustee.

In 2012, Richard posed with nothing but his fishing pole and a large mouth bass he had caught for a calendar that benefitted the UUA religious education program. His caption reads "An avid fisherman, Dick also enjoys gardening at home, managing veggies, shrubs, and some semi-wilderness in his yard that requires a bit of taming." He posed as Mr. October and the calendar raised thousands of dollars for the cause.

In his later years, he remained active as a volunteer math tutor at Keefe Regional Technical High School, served as the President of the Aspen Circle Homeowners Association, and worked as a Line Captain at Adessa.

Richard was predeceased by his first wife, Nancy E. (Bonardel) Paul, in 2000, and his infant daughter, Melissa Anne Paul. He was also predeceased by his parents and siblings, Antone and Marjorie Paul, Stanley Paul, Elmer Paul, Margaret Montigny and Gwendolyn Skinner.

Richard was the beloved husband of Patricia S. (Strombom) Paul, whom he married in 2008. He is also survived by his loving children Deborah Perreault (Ray) of Northboro, MA, Michael Paul (Irene) of Newton, MA, and Kimberly Mirsky (Seth) of Framingham, MA, and by his granddaughters Brooke, Chelsea, Danielle and Madelynn. He is also survived by his step-daughter Elizabeth Krysko (Steve) of Framingham, MA and her children Christopher and Charlotte Gagliardi.

Richard will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love for his family and friends, his civic minded-ness, and his love of taking part in the everyday joys that life had to offer.

Family and friends are invited to a A Celebration of Life will be held at First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist, 24 Vernon St, Framingham, MA 01701, US, on April 11, 2026, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the St. Jude's Hospital for Children or The First Parish in Framingham under unrestricted endowment.