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In Loving Memory, Paul Raymond Feeley
A Tribute to a Life Well-Lived
With profound sorrow and deep respect, we announce the passing of Paul Raymond Feeley, who departed from this world on April 21 at the age of 86. Beloved by family, friends, and colleagues, Paul leaves behind a legacy of respect, wisdom, influence and devotion that will be cherished forever.
Early Life
Born on December 27, 1938, in Franklin, Massachusetts, Paul was the eldest child of Raymond and Mildred Feeley. Paul grew up in a home where values such as hard work, integrity, and compassion were instilled from an early age, as the Feeleys ran and operated several movie theaters in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Their childhood was marked by a life in a family business, which shaped their work ethic, character, and aspirations.
Education and Career
Paul attended Norfolk County Agricultural High School and then pursued an education degree at Bridgeport University in Connecticut, where he excelled as a student and two-sport college athlete, playing soccer while also running track and hurdles. He was later inducted into the Bridgeport Hall of Fame as his team was the 1959 New England Soccer Champions, and went on to play in the first-ever NCAA Soccer National Championship, becoming runners-up to St. Louis. After college, Paul decided to serve his country in the Army and was stationed overseas in Germany. He went on to earn his graduate degree at Northeastern University in Boston. Paul embarked on a distinguished career in educational administration in Falmouth and Wareham Public Schools on Cape Cod, contributing significantly to so many lives with guidance counseling, college prepping, coaching, and driver’s education. For years, he served as the President of the Cape Cod and Islands Guidance Association (CIGA) and after four decades in Massachusetts public schools, he retired. He continued his love of teaching by working as a historical interpreter at the Heritage Museum in Sandwich, sharing his knowledge and humor with visitors.
Family and Personal Life
Paul married Sandra Winnifred MacKenzie in 1965, and together they built a life filled with love and joy for 54 years, until she passed in 2018. They lived in Sharon, MA., Tolland, CT., and finally Sandwich, MA., from 1970 through retirement. Paul and Sandra were snowbirds coming to Jensen Beach since 2005, where he remained until his passing.They were blessed with three children: Sean, Brendan and Darren whom they raised in Sandwich, Massachusetts. As a devoted parent, Paul always prioritized their family’s activities, creating countless cherished memories through shared experiences in sporting events and unconditional support on and off the fields. Paul was passionate about playing sports, coaching sports and watching sports. As a parent, he coached all three of their son’s teams in Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Soccer, and Track, while watching them all go on and play sports in college. Paul coached thousands of youths in the Cape Cod area, and this was his favorite way of impacting so many and shaping their development as young men and women. He loved learning about and watching how all of his grandchildren would continue his passion for playing sports and becoming athletes of their own. He loved watching the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and Bruins win so many championships. Later in life, Paul enjoyed tennis, his tennis mates, the local gym, trips to Publix, but especially attending church services every week on Sunday.
Legacy
Paul is survived by his three children Sean of Verona, NJ and his wife Cathy, Brendan of Delray Beach, FL. and his wife Paola, Darren of Falls Church, VA and his wife Stephanie; seven grandchildren Christine, Lauren, Carolyn, Brendan, Emerson, Elle and Finnegan and Paul’s sister Barbara. He is predeceased by his wife Sandra and his brother Guy. Sandra’s surviving siblings, the MacKenzie family, originally from Brockton and Avon Massachusetts, 8 of the 11, Billy, Nancy, Paul, Johnny, Mary, Patty, Cheryl, Richard and dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also predeceased by Sandra’s sister Carol and Cassie.
Farewells
A small memorial service will be held on at Holy Family Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie, Florida to honor and celebrate Paul's life on May 9th at 11:00am.
In addition, a larger Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich MA later this summer with details of a date to follow.
As we say goodbye, we remember Paul not for his departure, but for the incredible journey he shared with us. His memory will live on in our hearts, forever reminding us to live life to the fullest, with love, respect, courage, and compassion. Rest in peace, Paul. You finally get to reunite with Sandra. You will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all.
