"Dear Linda and family. Love of the ocean. Paul was my best ?nooner? friend ever. A dedicated mariner crew of us really know what that means although your lovingly composed obit hinted at it. Some of the greatest scientific minds at NUWC, Raytheon and the contractors met at Bishops Rock in the wind during lunch ?hour? for years. And you both opened up your home and Lapointe?s Landing to our addiction on weekends and holidays; we (sailors and spouses) will never forget that. Paul?s ?scary fast? spirit remains in that wind on the Bay forever (scientifically proven). Mike Armenia "
In loving memory of
Paul Lionel Lapointe
January 26, 1950 - April 23, 2022
With courage, determination and dignity, Paul Lionel Lapointe, 72, fought a three-year battle with A.L.S., finally succumbing to the disease on April 23, 2022 at home with his family by his side. Paul was the husband of Linda (Ferreira) Lapointe, his high school sweetheart. They were married for 52 years.
Paul was born January 26, 1950 in Fall River, MA to Lionel and Lorraine (Lizotte) Lapointe.
He attended Fall River schools, graduating from Durfee High School in 1968. He went on to study Electrical Engineering at S.M.U., receiving a B.S. in Engineering, and working at N.U.W.C. for 30+ years. In the 1970s, Paul was a member of the Coast Guard reserves, which afforded him the opportunity to work on the other love of his life: the ocean.
Paul was devoted to his family and friends, always involved in coaching his sons' sports, rolling around with his grandsons, mentoring nephews and nieces, and solving problems for others.
After several years as the Director of the Tiverton, RI Recreation Commission and an
exhaustive effort on his part to develop a softball field, the town named the ballfield after him, now known as "Lapointe Field" in the Town Farm area of Tiverton.
An avid outdoorsman, Paul enjoyed exercising, hiking, camping, running, biking, skiing,
kayaking and playing softball. Possessed of tremendous speed, he garnered the apt moniker "Flash". He was an accomplished sailor, having bought his first sailboat at the age of 8 with money earned from a paper route. In the early 1980s, his love of sailing and the ocean matched perfectly with a burgeoning new sport, windsurfing. This became Paul's favorite hobby/passion/obsession for the rest of his life. He found a crew of like-minded enthusiasts and,closely monitoring the weather daily, this group of friends stood ready to shirk work and other responsibilities in favor of gusting winds and tasty waves.
Upon retirement, Paul and Linda traveled extensively, culminating with their purchase of a residence in The Villages, FL. There, in addition to forming many new, wonderful friendships, Paul continued his pursuit of maintaining impeccable physical conditioning by participating in as many outdoor activities as possible.
As a good friend wrote of Paul, "the lifelong impressions made by his kindness and generosity were a gift to all who knew him."
Paul is survived by his wife Linda, sons Christopher and Jon-Paul, daughters-in-law Debra and Mozhgan, grandsons Ethan , Zachary, Julian and Sebastian, and sisters Janice Backman, Celeste St. Marie, Phyllis Morrissette, and Lorie Lapointe.
A celebration of Paul's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the A.L.S. Association 1300 Wilson Blvd Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22209
Tributes
"Linda - my deepest sympathies to your family and you. Paul was one of the finest people I have ever known. I always thought that he and you were the classic love story. Again, my thoughts and prayers are for you. Dennis Vieira"
"Dear Linda and family, So sorry for your loss. Love, Cousin Theresa "
"Linda, I am so sorry to hear of Paul?s passing. Yours was a love ?made in heaven? I?ll always remember Paul?s message to you scribbled on the newspaper I delivered..? Amo te?! -Henry Vaillancourt "
"My heart-felt Sympathy & Compassion goes out to Linda, Christopher, Jon-Paul & ALL the Lapointe's... I never understood why I couldn't 'catch' him when I visited the Family as a young girl. I just thought it was because he was 'older' than me... I will hold him and those memories of 'yesterday' close to my heart, forever! Rest in Peace my dear Cousin Paul. Until we meet again... Love & Prayers, Cousin Michelle"
"Linda and family, Seeing the obituary in the Herald News has brought back a flood of memories. So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Find stregnth in family and friends in this sorrowful time. May he finally be free of illness and at peace with the Lord. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, John (Lynn) Force"
"Linda and Family, Sincere sympathy to you all at this sad time. Cherish all of the wonderful memories. May Paul Rest In Peace. "
"Dearest Lapointe family heartfelt and deepest condolences on Paul?s passing always Mr. Lapointe to me, there are people in life that make you a better person just to have known them and he was one of them for me. Always will be fondly remembered and never forgotten. I will cherish the memories on the trails and on the water really helped cultivate my love of the outdoors and sports in general, a gentle kind man who?ll be missed dearly. The Tonnessen?s "