Fr. Gregory Paul C.P

Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., died peacefully on December 30, 2021, at McLean Health Center in Simsbury, Connecticut. Born Anthony R. Paul in Norwood, Massachusetts, on March 28, 1928, he was the son of the late James Paul and Jessie Guarino Paul. He entered the Passionist Community and made his profession as a Passionist on July 17, 1951, taking the name and title: Gregory of the Seven Dolors. He was ordained a priest in Union City, New Jersey, on April 25, 1958, and began what would be the first of many assignments at Passionist parishes throughout the Province. His first assignment was at St. Gabriel’s Parish in Toronto, Canada. Then came assignments as assistant pastor at St. Ann’s Parish in Scranton, Pennsylvania, St. Mary’s Parish in Dunkirk, New York, St. Paul of the Cross Parish in Atlanta, Georgia, then pastor for eight years at St. Joseph Parish in Baltimore, Maryland. Fr. Gregory was next assigned to the Spanish apostolate at St. Michael’s Parish in Union City, New Jersey. After six years in Union City, Fr. Gregory returned to Baltimore for another ten years as pastor and became involved with ministry to the blind. For many years he attended the annual convention of the American Foundation for the Blind. Wherever he served, Fr. Gregory was known for his caring, compassionate manner, hope-filled wisdom, and generous sharing of his time and talents. In 2002, when his brother, Fr. Alexis Paul, also a Passionist, was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, Fr. Gregory came to West Hartford, Connecticut, to care for him. Nine months later Fr. Alexis died, and after his death Fr. Gregory began to assist with the ministry of retreats at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford. While on the retreat team, Fr. Gregory was part of the Pastoral Care Team at UConn/John Dempsey Hospital. He often responded to emergencies day and night and never complained about being awakened in the middle of the night. He took it all in stride. Fr. Gregory had a fine rapport with the doctors, nurses and patients at UConn and was a wonderful, caring emissary for Holy Family, welcoming many retreatants with cordial hospitality at the Retreat Center each week. He also assisted with masses for several years at St. Mary Home in West Hartford and at local parishes when needed. He was happy to help whenever he was called upon and did everything with a warm smile and a cheery sense of humor. He made a point of calling everyone by name – though not always the correct name! He will be missed by his Passionist brothers, especially Fr. Terry Kristofak, his primary caregiver, and all those who knew him as a gentle soul and a fine priest of God. Fr. Gregory is survived by his sister, Rita Higgins, her son, Edward Higgins, his wife Kathy and their daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Jeff Malone, and their two children, Alexander and Samantha. Fr. Gregory is also survived by his twin brother, Frank Paul and his wife Maeve, their children, Julie and her husband, Gregory Pinto, and their three children Josh, David and Charlotte, Gregory, his wife, Leila Joseffer, and their two children, Charlie and Margaret, and Stephen, his wife Rebecca Peterson, and their two children, Grace and Jack. The funeral will take place at Holy Family Passionist Monastery on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 11:00 AM, with calling hours beforehand at the Monastery from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM. Masks will be worn throughout the wake and services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fr. Gregory’s memory to Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Road, West Hartford CT 06107. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com