Paul Ray Flannery was born on July 27, 1938, in Buffalo New York, and passed away on January 2, 2023, at his home in Clayton, NY, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was 84 years old.
Paul was born to Malcolm Grame Flannery and Gladys Preston, the youngest of 9 children. He is survived and missed by his loving wife Carol of 36 years, his favorite (and only) daughter, Lynne (Jim), his cherished granddaughter Abigail and his sister Alice Wentling. He is predeceased by his parents, seven siblings as well as the mother of his daughter Judy DeMuynck.
After graduating high school in 1956, he joined the Air Force where his traveling adventures began. He spent time in the Philippines, Taiwan and Germany. He was trained in communications and became proficient in Morse code. After a brief period at Erie County Technical Institute, his travels continued by sea and air while working with the U.S. Department of State from 1963-1968. He lived in Laos, the Philippines, Miami and Nigeria.
After living abroad, he settled into a career in information technology in various locations in New York State that started with IBM, continued with Xerox and then retired with the Deferiet Paper Mill in 2004. From 1986-1991 he and wife Carol owned and operated the Thousand Islands Bowling Center, where Paul could be found oiling the lanes, serving drinks with a smile or making customers laugh.
His passion for sailing and boating brought him to live near the St. Lawrence River in 1986. He married the former Carol Smith, July 7th, 1986 in their boat on the St. Lawrence River. Many of Paul’s favorite times were spent boating the River and running into good friends along the way. Paul had a natural ear and love for music which led him to enjoy playing electric bass in several bands. His interest in aviation also inspired him to become a pilot in his 30s.
Paul will live on in the hearts and memories of so many as someone with a unique sense of humor that always tried to bring a smile to your face. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time this year when we can truly enjoy the beauty of the River he loved so much.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Jefferson County for their guidance and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hawn Memorial Library in Clayton, NY https://hawnmemoriallibrary.org/ where his wife dedicates her time or to Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park https://frogrs.wixsite.com/mysite, where his daughter works.
Joy Finn
Sending hugs and love to Carol and family during this time of sorrow.
Joedy Hill
My sincere condolences to Carol, I know only to well how hard it is to say a final goodbye to a loving husband! RIP Paul! Thanks for so many great memories, you will be missed!
Laurie Marr
Paulie was such a life force! He could bring a smile to your face no matter how down you were feeling. My parents would take me to see him playing with his band in Rochester in the late 1970s. (When he was wearing a powder blue suit!) I’m sure Paul is busy arranging social gatherings on the other side while reconnecting with his many family and friends. So sorry for your loss Carol and Lynne. He will be greatly missed.
Sandy Marr
Carol, my sincere symphony to you, Lynne and your family. Paul will be missed. May your many happy memories bring a smile to your face.
David J. Decker
I worked with Paul for several years at Champion International and Deferiet Paper. He was a great guy and would always find a way to solve technology issues. Better yet he was always personable, fun, and a pleasure to work with. Rest in piece old friend.
David
Jane Heyman
So sorry Carol, my heart is heavy Paul was an amazing man and a great friend I will miss him dearly!! Jane
Wheaties and Mirly Wheaton
Carol, Lynne and family we will always remember the good times and all the sick humor for a million laughs.
Donna W Orvis
Carol,
Sorry to hear of Paul’s passing, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
benny fisher
Words are not enough at times like this. Amazing friend awesome boss {at the bowl}. Paul was one of those guys that everyone liked. Paul well be missed by many. Touched so many people. Carol sorry for your loss, you and Paul are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.
Benny
Larry & Kelly Haukaas
Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and Family. RIP Paul
Julie
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Carol and family.
Paulie pooh was the best boss ever. We have made so many memories.
You are the two of my most favorite people I am sadden.
My heart is full of memories.
RIP Paulie Pooh
Kathy Watson
I worked with Paul at the Deferiet mill for several years and in later years would often run into him in the Clayton area. There was never a time that he wouldn’t make me smile. RIP Paul – Fly high.
Jill C Fraczek
My sincere condolences, Carol, to you and the entire family. I enjoyed the beautiful pictures he submitted to the 7 News Weather. Prayers for all of you; may Paul rest in peace.
Phil and sally nuffer
We are so saddened to hear about Paul’s passing. Always enjoyed sharing a laugh with him. Such a great person. Our condolences
Tom DeLosh
I worked with Paul for a short time in Deferiet Paper co. He was a great guy and a lot of fun to work with. A good friend. Rest in peace, Paul.
Linda Bonham
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Carol. Rest in peace, Paul.
Tom and SPKK (Kathy) Plantz
So many great memories, Zoot always brought out groans and smiles from us and others around him. He donned his legendary yellow pants for our golf outings and visits. One evening during cocktails, Zoot spilled red wine on his yellow pants. We thought that would be the end of this tradition, but sure enough the next year, there was Zoot resplendent in his yellow slacks. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Carol and family.
Ed & Mary Ellen Wallace
Carol,
Our sincere condolences on Paul’s passing. We always enjoyed spending time with you and Paul, he was always so jovial. Remember him from the Bowling Center also. What great memories you must have to remember Paul.
Doreen Meeks
So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing.Please,Carol,when you are ready to join the rest of we “ole widows—– call me and I will introduce you to the Paynter Center and volunteer group of local friends. You might even enjoy a cup of tea and visit! Thinking of you and hoping you will call if I can be of any help at this time of sorrow!
David Bulterman
My thoughts are with Carol and family. Paul was a good friend and more of a Pal than a Boss…I learned alot from his stories and talks we had as a “young kid” at the bowling ally-chasing pins…
Glorian reinman
Dear carol hoping for peace and joy with your memories. Always enjoyed love of life. Glo reinman
Sally Lieb
What a beautiful human being, such a loss to us all! Lynne, you clearly have a lot of your father in you. Truly a life to celebrate and carry on his beautiful personality through the rest of your life.
Bruce Remus
My Condolences Carol and family.
Paul is a true Renaissance man.
RIP Paul
Terri Lantier
Carol, My deepest sympathy in Paul’s passing. It was always such a pleasure to see you , Paul, and Guito walking down Lylleton. He was such a nice, kind man. My prayers will continue for you. With sympathy and love, Terri
Melinda & Steve
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your dad Lynne. The picture of you and him is wonderful.
Love,
Mima and Dad G
Tom and Darlene Bush
Carol and family, So sorry to read of Paul’s passing. So many great memories and laughs at the bowling center. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to all during this difficult time.
Amy Hanson
I have many fond memories of Paul when he owned the bowling alley. He was always ready with a smile and your drink of choice. Many a night he listened to me rant about my scores and had a special way of making me laugh. Great man I feel lucky to have known. RIP Paul.
Donna Fitchette
Carol I loved Paul so much. You both touched my life in many ways. I will never forget his “dry” humor, he always told me “you get me!”. Many blessings and comfort over you.
Tony Ludwikowski
So sorry for your loss
Diana Corl
My favorite uncle…”UP” was one in a million! Always lovable, genuine and generous. Quick to bring a smile and a laugh with his “talented” goofy antics. He was a constant North Star; encouraging & supportive throughout my life.
When he babysat me as I grew up, he would sometimes braid my hair to a floor lamp (creative control tactic) or pay us kids .25 to fight ~ just for fun. Much later, as a special treat he would pop out his false teeth when least expected. This would elicit both shrieks and laughter.
UP stood in for my Dad at my wedding on board The Island Woman, BVI. Later, when Dad passed away, he filled in with loving support and stood by me to spread Dad’s ashes.
Much loved by my husband, daughters and granddaughter for the wonderful man he was in all of our lives. He instilled a love of being on The River, creating happy summertime memories we all cherish.
Adding to the list of his surprising talents…he was a Cheerio Champ (yo-yo), Haka performer, stand up bass player, a ham radio operator, a hot tub expert and a peanut butter aficionado to name a few.
I am filled with so many happy memories and much gratitude for a man I was lucky to call my Uncle. UP will be long remembered.
Jim and Jean Perlet
Our Condolences to Carol and family. So Many activities over the years I will always remember from Bowling, to Golf or just setting on the back deck drinking Beer. RIP My friend Zoot.
Baja and Jean
Our thoughts are with Carol and family. Many memories over the Years with Paul and various activities from bowling, and golf to water skiing or just enjoying setting on your back deck near the river. Rest in Peace Our Friend Zoot
CHERYL GRAY
Dearest Carol, I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. What a great guy! So many great memories of him at the bowling alley. Always had a smile and ready to serve. He was such a blessing to all who knew him. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you and the family.
Carmen and Shell Seltzer
Dear Carol,
We are so sorry for your loss of Paul. We are glad to. have reconnected over the last couple of years. In reading the other condolences, they all got it right. Paul was a brilliant, good natured gentleman.
Take care.
Charles Stage
My prayers and condolences to you Carol and the family. What a great guy. I will miss my many albeit brief conversations with Paul. They never needed to be long, as we always seemed to be on the exact same page of humor. He will be missed but always remembered. GOD bless!
Alan Farrell “tlh”
Carol Lynne and family.. what more can I add that hasn’t already been written. Paul was one of the smartest talented caring friends one could have.. he will be truly missed .❤️
Stuart G Leuthner
A ver special friend.
Sue Magee
Paul was always one of my favorite customers at the Pier House. I loved Paul & Carol & friends come in the door. Always some laughs & a good time. So sorry for your families loss Carol.❤️
Dianne McCargar
Carol and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I know one thing for sure…they are having a lot more laughs in heaven now. Paul was so engaging and fun to be around. He is definitely in my best memories of my time at the Pier House. I am sorry that our paths had not crossed in more recent years. His famous apron and the birthday cake he had at the Pier House always makes me smile. I am so glad that I had the opportunity of knowing him. He was a class act that will be missed by so so many people that were fortunate enough to have had him touch their lives. Most Sincerely. Duff
Dianne McCargar
Marie Wood
Carol, my deepest sympathy to you and all the family in the loss of Paul. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marie Wood
Chuck & Jane Fishet
We are so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing
Our thoughts are with you