Paul G. Thibodeau Was Friendly, Generous Man

Paul Thibodeau of Edgartown died on August 18 from complications of a heart attack he suffered on July 14.

Paul Gene Thibodeau was born on Nov. 19, 1940, in West Hartford to Dorothy (Viens) and Edgar J. Thibodeau. Paul attended West Hartford schools, and following his graduation from Hartford Technical Institute he served four years in the United States Navy. Paul was a Vietnam veteran, having served aboard the USS Independence during her mission to the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam. After his Navy service he attended the University of Hartford, graduating in 1971 with a BA in business administration.

In the early 1970s, following military service and college, Paul, seeking a simple, quiet life, moved year-round to his family's summer home in Edgartown, quickly establishing himself as a true Edgartonian: working at various times as a swordfisherman, a scalloper, a quahaug fisherman and a cod fisherman, and marrying an Edgartown girl. Although Paul served as superintendent of the then-privately owned Edgartown Water Company from 1975 to 1993, his heart was always on the open water.

Paul will be remembered for his hospitality, his generous heart, his smile, his sense of humor and for his devotion to his children. He loved to garden and considered himself a lifelong learner; a voracious reader, Paul had acquired a vast knowledge of a variety of subjects, especially in the fields of natural history, science and ancient cultures.

He is survived by his three children, Adam, Maria and Jonathan; his former wife, Sara Piazza; his sister, Linda Benoit of West Tisbury; a brother, Edgar, of Avon, Conn.; his step-father, Saverio Riccio, and many nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his brother, Ronald, his mother, Dorothy Riccio, and his father, Edgar Thibodeau.

Memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to the Edgartown Public Library. A memorial gathering in celebration of Paul's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 44 Plantingfield Way, Edgartown.