Paul Frederick Pimentel of Edgartown died in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 5, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76.

Paul Pimentel was highly intelligent, fiercely loyal, forever curious, and dutifully devoted to a purpose-filled life. Born in Quincy on May 22, 1942, he was raised there, and later in nearby Braintree. He graduated from Braintree High School in 1960 and from Harvard University in 1965 with a degree in engineering and applied physics. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and was a combat veteran of Vietnam.

In 1965 he married the love of his life, Sandra Pasquale, and together they spent the next 53 years building an extraordinary life that included five children, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, several foster children, and a bounty of extended family and friends.

Paul was a creative and brilliant engineer who coupled his remarkable intellect with pragmatism and passion. His capacity for hard work was boundless and the list of his professional accomplishments is impossible to detail fully here. In 1975, he became the youngest deputy Secretary of State of Massachusetts in the history of the office.

Later his focus turned to the environment, energy independence and the economy. Over the course of 40 years, he and his team brought their vision from startup to a world leader in the industry. They developed a model that unlocked billions of dollars in energy/water savings that is now being implemented across the globe. Of his many professional accomplishments he was most proud of the creation of Vineyard Power, an independent, clean energy cooperative that plans to bring more than 800 megawatts of low cost offshore wind power to the Cape and Islands of Massachusetts.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Paul was dedicated to his community, serving on many committees and boards of numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. His work helped give a voice to the voiceless and provided for those who had less.

He was a teacher, leader, mentor and father figure. He had a profound effect on people and took great joy in breathing life into the dreams of others. Ever the patriarch, he appeared to have his own gravitational pull, drawing his loved ones close to him, not out of obligation but rather from a genuine desire to learn and be in his presence.

Family was paramount in his life, and the moments he enjoyed most were those spent with his family. He never hesitated to tell everyone how proud he was or how much he loved them.

He lived a life of integrity, told the truth and did the right thing. He was modest and down to earth. And he left his imprint on the hearts of many.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sisters Susan Meyers of Westin, Vt., and Joan Pimentel of Long Beach, Calif.; his children, Lisa Pimentel of Los Angeles, Calif., Christopher Pimentel of Sharon, Susan Andrien of Oakland, Calif., Courtney Child of Quincy, and Joanie Pimentel of Los Angeles, Calif.; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy (Deneen) and Frederick Pimentel.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Church of the Presidents (United First Parish Church) in Quincy on Saturday March 2 at 2 p.m. followed by a light reception in the hall.

An additional memorial will be held on the Vineyard in the spring at a date and location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (www.mvcommunityservices.com/support/donate/.)

Read more about Paul’s life at www.paulpimentelmemorial.com.