Paul Douglas Minor

Paul was a man of rare kindness, generosity, and empathy, and he will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Judy Bennett; his son and daughter-in-law, Travis and Rebecca Minor; his brother David, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and by all who had the good fortune to know and love him.

Born on September 2, 1947 to Christine and David Minor, Paul grew up in Batavia, NY, alongside his brothers, David and James, and close cousins Peter, Steve, and Michael. He developed a lifelong love of the water during summers on Conesus Lake with his grandmother, Nellie Travis. There, he learned to scuba dive, discovered sailing, and began a lifelong relationship with open water that culminated in many happy hours aboard his sailboat, Mariah.

Paul attended Syracuse University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in architecture. It was there that he met his first wife, Susan Minor, to whom he would be married for 25 years. After moving to Concord, MA in the early 1970s, Paul developed a profound appreciation for music and theater. He pursued this passion as a member of the Concord Chorus and as a Producer for Concord Players' productions at 51 Walden, including a memorable production of The Music Man, which featured a live horse on stage. Paul made many dear friends during his years in Concord, where he was an active participant in many local organizations, including The First Parish Church, The Concord Community Chest, and The Jericho Road Project.

As an architect, Paul specialized in working with existing buildings, taking joy in solving complex design challenges. His thoughtful work can be seen in many well-known buildings in the Greater Boston area. Throughout his career, Paul gave generously of his time and expertise, and he is especially proud of his pro bono work with churches and nonprofit organizations. Notably, in 2006, he helped the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) in Lowell, MA identify a suitable building for their new home, which later became the oldest Platinum LEED certified building in the country.

In 2008, Paul returned to Rochester, NY, where he met and fell in love with Judy Bennett, his partner in life and purpose for 17 happy years. Together, they championed social justice, access to affordable housing, LGBTQIA+ rights, and support for Rochester’s refugee community. Paul continued to provide pro bono services for local nonprofit organizations, he served as President of the Rochester Northwest Rotary Club, and he was deeply involved in Peace Village and City Roots Community Land Trust, continuing the community-driven work that had always defined his life.

Paul lived with a profound sense of purpose and an unshakeable belief in the power of community. Even in his final days, he offered guidance and encouragement to his many visitors, inspiring them to continue the work he cared for so deeply. He faced the end of his life with grace, courage, and a comforting reminder to all who knew him: “Community is everything.”

Raise a glass of wine at a porch party to remember Paul. Arrangements are entrusted to Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home in Rochester, NY. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to City Roots Community Land Trust (https://www.cityrootsclt.org), Person Center Housing Options ( https://pcho.org) or to your local public radio station, in honor of Paul’s lifelong commitment to community.

A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held on Sunday, September 28th from 3 to 6 pm at the Rose Room, 295 Gregory Street, Rochester, NY 14620