Edward K. Paul Jr., 86, of Ponte Vedra Beach, passed away on October 1, 2024, surrounded by his family. Ed was raised in Buffalo, NY and graduated from the Nichols School and Colgate University, where he was President of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and a member of the varsity ice hockey, lacrosse, and soccer teams. He also earned his MBA with a concentration in international business from Columbia University in New York City.
In 1960, Ed joined the United States Navy where he later served as a Lieutenant on the USS Parle DE-708. His ship was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis involving the Soviet Union. He was a Top-Secret Communications Officer responsible for decoding the message from President Kennedy and the Chief of Naval Operations which called for “intercepting” all Soviet ships entering Havana Harbor.
A successful entrepreneur, Ed’s career included serving as Director of Marketing for AMF’s boat division and President of Look Ski Bindings (skiing all over the world!). He started Intercontinental Ceramics, a division of a Swiss company, and he owned both Design Technics and Atlantic Tile. He also managed a variety of real estate investments in New York and Florida.
Ed and his loving wife, Victoria R. Paul, lived and raised their family in Rye, New York, before retiring to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida in 1997. Always active, Ed enjoyed skiing, sailing, tennis, running, golf, traveling, and working out. He loved vintage cars and boats (and even had a few restored).
Ed’s positive energy and friendly disposition generated enduring friendships which he cherished. Ed deeply loved his family. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was immensely proud of each of their accomplishments. He was an unwavering moral compass for his family, instilling in them the values of integrity, hard work, kindness, and compassion.
Ed is survived by his wife, three children and two stepchildren: Edward K. Paul, III (Nicole) of Rye, NH; Elizabeth Paul Magnano (Anthony) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Sarah Paul Burns (Timothy) of Norwell, MA; Christi Clancy (John McCrory) of Houston, TX; Tucker Clancy of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Chase Magnano, Alexis Magnano, Isabella Burns, Alexandra Paul, Carter Magnano, Lainey Burns, and Edward K. Paul IV.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in his honor at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 on November 1, 2024, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vicar’s Landing Scholarship Fund at 1000 Vicar’s Way, Ponte Vedra Beach FL 32082 or the Plantation Foundation (Scholarship Fund) at 101 Plantation Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.
