David Francis Paul

July 3, 1946 – January 23, 2026

After a life defined by energy, courage, curiosity, and kindness, Dr. David F. Paul, age 79, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

David was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Alexander Paul (Paulauskas) and Margaret Connelly. He graduated in 1964 from St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where he was a student leader and athlete, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1968. He received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1972.

David proudly served his country for 10 years in the United States Air Force, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional flight surgeon. He was named Pacific Air Forces Flight Surgeon of the Year in 1974 and United States Air Forces in Europe Flight Surgeon of the Year in 1976. He logged countless hours supporting rescue and training missions while stationed in the Philippines, England, San Antonio, TX, and near St. Louis, MO, with a 1977 newspaper article noting David’s “concept and practice of total care for the flyer and his family approaches the ideal of medicine.”

Following his military service, David established a successful orthopedic surgery practice in southern Maine, where he became an early adopter of advanced surgical techniques. Over the course of his career, he treated thousands of patients, performing hundreds of joint replacements and repairing injuries with skill, commitment, and compassion. Following his retirement, David volunteered in Haiti providing medical support during the 2010 earthquake relief.

In 1969, David married Virginia “Ginny” Carr, and together they raised five children, eventually settling in Saco, Maine. Though his professional life was demanding, David was a devoted father. He taught each of his children to ski, instilled in them the importance of education and hard work, and attended many school events and sports competitions. His dad jokes, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.

David later married Susan (Ryan), his loving wife and partner in adventure, with whom he shared many active and meaningful years until the time of his death.

David lived life fully. His passions included skiing, golf, fishing, gardening, photography, and travel. A testament to his endurance and determination, he completed the Trek Across Maine, a 180-mile bike ride across Maine, ten times, often alongside one or more of his children and Susan. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, such as taking them on ATV rides on his rural Maine property and cheering them on at their various dance, theater, and other events.

David was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Christina. He is survived by his wife, Susan Paul; his former wife, Ginny Paul; his siblings, Robert Paul (Ladan), John Paul, and Maureen Paul; his five children, Bridget Kowalsky (Matthew), Christina Paul, Alex Paul (Jessica), Stephanie Testa (Tom), and John Paul (Leah); his stepson, Nicholas Ryan; and his eleven grandchildren, Patrick Kowalsky, Catherine Kowalsky, Madeleine Walsh, Avery Paul, Boden Paul, Tucker Paul, Thomas Testa, Michael Testa, Jacob Testa, Evelyn Paul, and Harold Paul.

A memorial service will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.