Benedict Paul of New Haven, Conn., died peacefully on Nov. 8, surrounded by loved ones at his West Tisbury home. He was 91.

Ben was one of seven children born to Eva and Benedict Paulaskus. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in Papua, New Guinea and Australia as a radio man. Upon his return, Ben Paul built a profession for himself as a gunsmith for Marlin Firearms. He married Florence Suchecki in 1947 and continued working as a gunsmith at O.F. Mossberg and Sons, Winchester Firearms, and Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Family was of great importance to Ben. He also enjoyed woodworking, cooking and playing music on piano and harmonica. He delighted an array of audiences with his hobbies and was proud to receive a blue ribbon at the West Tisbury Agricultural Fair for his handcrafted doll furniture. Ben moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1992 to be with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Florence Paul; his daughters Jan Paul and Diane Wall; sons in law Richard Rooney and Howard Wall; and granddaughters Janaye Rooney and Hilary Wall and Tessa Wall. A Catholic memorial service will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs on Dec. 5 at 11 a.m., and at St. Stanislaus Church in New Haven, Ct., on Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Parish, P.O. Box 1058, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.