Paul A. Pearlson of Livingston, N.J., died peacefully at home with his family on Sunday, Dec. 6. He was 87.

Born in Cambridge, he resided in New York city before moving to Livingston in 1970. Like many of his generation, Paul had an extremely strong work ethic throughout his life. After serving four years in the U.S. Army in the Korean War, he earned his business degree at the Stern School of Business at New York University. While working full time as an accountant, he earned his law degree at the at NYU School of Law.

Paul was the treasurer/assistant secretary for Louis Berger Group Inc., the international engineering company in Morristown, N.J. He traveled extensively worldwide for business before retiring in 2011 after 40 years. He was dedicated to his family and helped many people over the years, whether it was a colleague who was behind on his mortgage payments or a young person struggling to continue her education. Paul was kind yet direct; he earned the term “unfiltered” early on. Those who were fortunate enough to know him enjoyed his classic Boston accent and his unfettered responses. He enjoyed spending time on Martha’s Vineyard with his family, especially his sister Eleanor, and her colorful cast of characters. He was always welcomed as a kind man who called it like it was.

He was predeceased by two sisters Dr. Jean Henry and Eleanor D. Pearlson of Chilmark. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret (Hospidor) Pearlson; two daughters, Leslie D. Pearlson of Vineyard Haven, and Elizabeth A. Pearlson and her husband Marco Constant of Moss Beach Calif.; a sister, Frieda Rabinovitz of Los Angeles Calif.; and his beautiful granddaughter Saldanha Constant.

Private arrangements were held under the direction of the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home. The family is grateful to the Livingston First Aid Squad (lfas.org). To send condolences please visit costello-runyon.com.