Paul Raymond Severance, 77 of Barefoot Bay FL, formerly of Newfane, VT, Canaan, NY & Dalton, MA, passed away from cancer at Sebastian River Medical Center with his wife by his side on Monday, August 28, 2023.
Paul was born in Brattleboro, VT on July 17, 1946 to Norma M. Severance (Whitney) and Raymond Gould Severance of Newfane, VT. Paul attended and graduated in 1964 from Leland and Gray Seminary, now known as Leland and Gray High School in Townsend, VT. He loved sports and participated in gymnastics, soccer, and the track team where his high-jump qualified him for a spot on the New England track meet.
While in high school, he met his future wife, Virginia (Ginny) Plumley. The two married in 1967, and their love story lasted for 55 years of marriage.
After high school, Paul attended VT Technical college for one year, and then enrolled in Champlain College in Burlington, VT, Graduating in 1967 with an Associates degree in business management.
Paul was an avid Skier, and on many weekends you would find him giving lessons to kids at the rope tow at Glendale Ski area which his family operated in Newfane, VT. He was captain of his ski team at Champlain College and while there, he and some friends took a trip to Mt. Washington in N.H., where they climbed to the top and skied down Tuckermans Ravine, with an elevation of 6,288.2 ft.
In 1967, Paul enlisted in the army. After basic training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC, he was sent to Vietnam from 6/4/68-5/31/69, where he served at MacV Headquarters as a clerk typist. While there, he was awarded several medals including a bronze star. He was honorably discharged in May of 1973.
While living in NY state, Paul teamed up with his good friend, Paul Patch, and they became Patch & Severance Builders for several years. Paul was a member of the Cannaan, NY Protective Volunteer Fire Dept. as well as a one time appraiser for the town. Paul and his family spent many years in Canaan and after their children were grown, Paul and Ginny moved to Dalton, MA. Paul eventually became a project manager for ALNASCO, owned and operated by Kenneth Nash of Pittsfield, MA, a position he loved. Many times Paul was heard telling friends that Ken was like a father to him.
As well as the two homes Paul and Ginny built for themselves, Paul also built homes for two of Kenneth’s sons and proudly showed his friends pictures of the homes which were featured in Boston Home magazine. The Nash’s became like family to Paul and Ginny. Paul retired in 2012.
Paul and Ginny purchased their home in Barefoot Bay in 2007 and became snowbirds until 2019, when they decided to move to their Florida home permanently. In Barefoot Bay, Paul was a member of the BFB Horseshoe League which met and played three times a week, with Paul winning his division one year. Paul was also a member of the Moose as well as the Eagles, and in the early years helped with pizza and pasta nights at the Moose. Paul enjoyed singing Karaoke at both the Moose and the Eagles.
Paul is survived by his wife , Virginia (Ginny) Severance; his daughter, Shannon Adams; his granddaughter, Whitney Adams; and his older brother Weston (Joe) Severance.
Paul was predeceased by his daughters Heidi Severance and Lisa Severance; his brother, Lee Severance; and his parents, Raymond and Norma Severance.
A celebration of Paul’s life is pending.
Arrangements are under the direction of Millennium Cremation Services. Condolences may be shared online at www.millenniumcremationservices.com.