Former Black River High School Student-Athlete Howard Paul Sr Passes Away Following Long Illness

One of his favorite stories from his sports career was telling how he made a hook shot from half court to beat the halftime buzzer.

This article was last updated by on

Howard Paul Sr., a graduate of Black River High School, tragically passed away.

Paul was born on September 15, 1951, to his father, Arthur, and his mother, Elsie (Bouchard) Paul Sr.

He grew up in Ludlow, VT, and attended Black River High School, where he participated in Soccer, basketball, and baseball.

One of his favorite stories from his sports career was telling how he made a hook shot from half court to beat the halftime buzzer.

When the third quarter of the game started, Howard took another hook shot from half court and missed terribly.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He would say he loved the tranquility of it, but hated coming home empty-handed.

In later years, Howard would find success deer hunting from his “mobile” tree stand along the back roads and fields, and once even on Main Street in Ludlow.

He was a lifelong Red Sox fan, and when they finally won it all in 2004, he shed a lot of tears because he had seen the team he and his father loved become something his father never got the chance to see.

Howard was honored for his generosity with the Proctorsville Citizen of the year award in 1992 and had an article written about him in the Rutland Herald titled, “YES THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS.”

Community Is Mourning The Tragic Death Of Howard Paul Sr

The sources claimed that Howard Paul Sr passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, following a long illness.

Davis Memorial Chapel took to Facebook and announced the tragic news.

Howard Paul Sr. Passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 8, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones following a long illness.
Howard was born on September 15, 1951 to Arthur and Elsie (Bouchard) Paul Sr.
Howard grew up in Ludlow, Vt and attended Black River High School (1970). While in school, he participated in Soccer, basketball and baseball. One of Howard’s favorite stories from his sports career was telling how he made a hook shot from half court to beat the halftime buzzer. When the third quarter of the game started, Howard took another hook shot from half court and missed terribly. He said his coach quickly took him out and asked what he was doing? Howard responded “I’m shooting 50%, put me back in while I’m still hot.”

Davis Memorial Chapel

Lorraine Beauchain Quinn of Ludlow, Vermont, took to the comment section and wrote,

Howard helped my ex in laws so much when they had a house fire many years ago.He did so much for Cap and May Blanchard during their difficult time and we were so grateful he took charge ! Rest in Eternal Peace.

Lorraine Beachain Quinn

Donna Muzzy, a graduate of West Rutland High School, wrote,

My thoughts are with you all. What a great tribute to a salt of the earth man. Howie and Jody prayers and hugs

Donna Muzzy

Steven Burke, a graduate of Castleton University, wrote,

He was a very kind man and was a mentor to me as commander of post39! He will be missed by all who knew him

Steven Burke

Other close ones and relatives have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Howard’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.

A celebration of Howard’s life will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Chester American Legion from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Rest in Peace, Howard Paul Sr.

Rohit Maharjan
Rohit Maharjan
Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

Related articles

Comments

Share article

Louis A. “Lou” DiSorbo Obituary: Retired Coach and Educator Dies at 88

Louis A. “Lou” DiSorbo, a respected former athlete, longtime educator, and beloved coach from Allegany, New York, has died at the age of 88....

John Nicks Obituary: Legendary Figure Skating Coach Dies at 97

John Nicks, the celebrated British figure skater and influential coach who helped shape generations of Olympic athletes, has died at the age of 97....

William Allison “W.A.” Cline III Obituary: Beloved East Rowan Football Coach Dies at 86

William Allison “W.A.” Cline III, a respected North Carolina educator, longtime football coach, and influential community leader, passed away peacefully at his home on...

Neil Allen Hayes Obituary: Lawrence, Kansas Teacher and Coach Dies at 82

Neil Allen Hayes, a longtime Kansas teacher and coach who influenced generations of students and athletes throughout his more than 40-year career, has died...

Lamesa, TX, Mourns Beloved Coach Derrell Wayne Froman at 87

Derrell Wayne "Coach" Froman, a longtime Lamesa educator, baseball coach and farmer, has died at the age of 87. Froman passed away on October...