Obituary of Paul W. Soucy

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Walter Soucy, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He died peacefully at home on April 26, 2025, at the age of 74 after a 12-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Paul was born on May 2, 1950, in Portland, ME, to his parents, Paul and Dorothy (Link) Soucy. He graduated from South Portland High School in 1968, where he met the love of his life, Linda (Rolfe), his wife of 53 years. While at South Portland High School, Paul was a standout athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his education at the University of Maine, Orono, playing on the football team and graduating in 1972 with a degree in education. He completed his master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2001, also from UMaine.

Paul and Linda were married in August of 1971 in South Portland, ME. After graduating from UMaine in 1972, he took a job as an English teacher and coach at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, NH. The following year, they moved to Brewer, ME, when Paul accepted a physical education teaching job at Brewer High School, where he stayed until 1989. He would return to Brewer High School for a four-year period as Assistant Principal in 1990. He also worked at Bangor High School, serving two different stints as Assistant Principal from 1990–1992 and 1995–2002. Paul worked on two different occasions at Hermon High School—first as Assistant Principal for one year in 1989, and later as Athletic Director in 2002, where he stayed until his retirement in 2013.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; son, Ryan, and his wife, Marcy, of Bangor; as well as his grandson, Evan, of Orono. Paul is also survived by his three siblings: sisters Carol and her husband, Maurice Black, of South Portland; Donna and her husband, Joe Young, of Scarborough; and brother David and his significant other, Lucie Garand, of Barre, VT. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Athletics and the outdoors played a very important role in Paul’s life. Throughout his career, he excelled as a coach in several sports, including basketball, softball, football, golf, and gymnastics. Paul was named Softball Coach of the Year in 1981 and Big East Girl’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 1988.  He also holds the record for most career coaching wins in Brewer girl’s basketball history.  He was an accomplished football referee and softball umpire, who worked several regional and state championship games in both sports. Paul was inducted into the Maine Sports Legends Hall of Honors in 2018 and the Brewer High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023. He worked for several years at the Maine high school basketball tournaments in Bangor, serving in different capacities including announcer, scorekeeper, athletic trainer, and floor manager. Paul enjoyed his time volunteering as a board member of the University of Maine M Club for several years. He was also vice president of the Maine Parkinson’s Society and served on the Brewer High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman as well, enjoying his many trips to Foley Pond and Alligator Lake with lifelong friends Frank Marston and Dave Rumpf. He also spent many days enjoying his camp, Ridge Runner’s Rest, in Beddington, ME.

He embraced the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. He inspired those around him with his determination to bounce back from setbacks, showing that champions rise in the face of adversity. He shared his knowledge and passion with countless aspiring athletes and students throughout his career. He instilled in them the same values he held dear—discipline, respect, and the importance of hard work. His coaching not only produced winners on the field but also exceptional individuals off it.  Paul’s legacy isn't just about the trophies and records he amassed; it's about the lives he touched and the inspiration he provided. He has left an indelible mark on those he came in contact with.

The Soucy family would like to extend a special thank-you to the wonderful staff from St. Joseph’s Hospice (Josie, Michelle, Lori, Emily, Nicole, Melissa, Amanda, Christine, Melanie, Stephanie, Chris, Candice, Clare, Madalyne, and Dr. Patten) who provided such loving care and assistance to Paul. We are forever grateful for their kindness, compassion, and the dedication they exhibit to their patients and patients' families.

In lieu of a service and in an effort to honor Paul, the family has established the Paul Soucy Memorial Scholarship Fund. The proceeds received will benefit local high school seniors in their educational pursuits. Donations can be mailed to:

Paul Soucy Memorial Scholarship
36 Royal Rd.
Bangor, ME 04401

Messages and memories may be shared here at the tribute wall.