Matthew J. Paul Sr., 59, Watertown

WATERTOWN, NY — Matthew John Paul Sr., 59, of 25152 State Route 126, Watertown, passed away July 2, 2019, at home where he was under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County and surrounded by his loving family, following a brief battle with cancer.

He was born on August 21, 1959, in Watertown, son of William and Olive Hubbard Paul. He attended Carthage Central High School. 

Following school he married Rosalie Scougal, the couple later separated. 

He worked at Champion Paper Mill for several years and then went to work for Ben Davis Tree Service out of Carthage up until he became sick.

He enjoyed working on cars, attending Harbor Fest annually, watching NASCAR, sitting by the fire with family and friends, he was there to help anyone who need a helping hand and was a member of the Watertown Eagles Club.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Rita Call, Watertown, his four children, Erin and her husband Christopher Freeman, Brownville, Matthew John Paul Jr., FL, Bridget Paul, TX, Desiree Paul, Watertown, five grandchildren, Jordan, Megan, Taylor, Brooke and Matthew John Paul III, his three sisters and brother in law, Sharon and Lenny Zaffarano, Gouverneur, Sandra Hopseker, Corning, NY, Donna Wayland, Ortonville, MI; two brothers and a sister in law, William “Billy” and Peggy Paul, Tylerville, Jeremy Smith, Adams; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Warren Hopseker.

Calling hours will be 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, July 5, at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, Watertown.  A memorial service will follow at 3 pm. at the funeral home.  There will be no burial.

A Celebration of Life will follow the memorial service at the home of Matthew Paul beginning at 5 p.m.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com