Paul Allen Medeiros of Lempster, N.H. died on May 6 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center after a long illness. He was 65.

Paul was married to Laurie Anne (Barry) Medeiros. He was born in Oak Bluffs on April 26, 1955, son of Raul B. Medeiros Jr., and Cora (Simpkin) Medeiros.

He was raised in Vineyard Haven and spent most of his life, alongside his wife, children and beloved pets, residing in the masterpiece of a home that he built with his father. He graduated from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and went on to trade school and became a top-notch electrician, dedicated to quality work and determined to “put a spark in your life.”

Aside from his work, his favorite things were centered around family and getting out into the natural world. He loved camping and causing trouble just enough to bring a nervous, but anticipatory smile to all those who dared to watch. A bit of a pyro, his campfires had to be massive, both for warmth as well as spectacle.

A beloved pet was always nearby, as he had a strong connection with all of his pets and found great joy in spending time with them.

Paul was known by many nicknames and wore many hats. One of his greatest family legacies is his contribution to the cleanup of family dinners at Gram and Pa’s. Equipped with a fork and dinner roll, he’d circle the kitchen like a shark and ask “you gonna eat that?” Without waiting for a response, he would scoop up the food on the plate and then move on to the next slow moving family member to see if they needed any assistance in the clean-up of their ‘leftovers’. If you were to look for him after that, you would find him on the couch resting from all of the festivities (aka, food coma) in pure bliss.

He was also a talented mechanic and builder. He learned his skills from his father. He was motivated by the love of the process and a determination to fix what had been broken. Whether building a homemade tractor, creating a birdhouse or adding another outlet, he was a craftsman. And if you needed something done immediately all you had to do was call Paul and he’d be there.

We have lost a light in our lives and our family, but these wonderful memories of his accomplishments, love and mischievous play will always be with us and surely not forgotten.

He was predeceased by both of his parents, as well as his brother, Steven R. Medeiros, of Kennesaw, Ga. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; his son, Matthew Raul Medeiros and daughter, Katelin Belle Medeiros; his brother, David J. Medeiros of Edgartown; and his sisters, Joan E. Medeiros of Warner, N.H., and Kathy J. Rogers of Vineyard Haven; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private service was held on May 11 with his niece Joanne Ritter presiding as he was laid to rest in his family’s plot. A public celebration of his life is to be held on Island at a later date.

Condolence cards and any memories can be mailed to the Medeiros family at 114 Breezy Hill Road, Bradford, N.H. 03221 and donations can be made to the Vineyard House via the online form or mail to Vineyard House Inc. Po Box 4599, 56 Short Hill Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.