November 10, 2012  

REDWOOD, N.Y.  —  Paul A. Cortright, 73, passed away in his home of Clearwater, Fla., on October 31, 2012 with his devoted family by his side. 

Paul retired from the U.S. Army as MSG after 23 yrs (1958 to 1981) of service. His military decorations included a Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Army Recruiter Badge. 

After retiring he moved to Redwood with his wife Linda to begin working another 19 years in the Security Section at Fort Drum before retiring again in 2000 and moving to Florida in 2005.

Paul dedicated his time and passion to the American Legion and was NY State American Legion Commander (2004-2005), Commander of John B. Lyman Post 904 located in Alexandria Bay NY, Jefferson County commander, served in numerous county, state and national leadership positions including vice chairman of the Foreign Relations Council on the National level, and American Chairman for the American/Canadian Goodwill Committee remembering fallen heroes. In 2001 he received honors as Legionnaire of the year from Jefferson County, the Fifth District and the Department of New York.

He is survived by his wife Linda of 53 years, sons, Paul Jr., David and Randy, and spouses; 11 grandchildren; four sisters, Dorothy, Lucille, Jane, and Nancy; a brother, Richard; nieces and nephews and his extended New York State American Legion Family. 

His mother, Dorothy, father, Raymond, and four brothers, Raymond, Donald, Preston and Walter, all died before him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Memory of Past NY State Department Commander Paul Cortright’s name to: http://www.legion.org/troops/ operationcomfort

Information provided by the family and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.