Paul Robert Poirier, 59, of New Bedford died Monday June 26, 2017 unexpectedly at home in his sleep. He was the husband of Gilda M. (Patricio) Poirier.
Born in Acushnet, the son of the late Emile R. J. and Arcelia T. (Pontbriand) Poirier, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.
Mr. Poirier was formerly employed as a custodian for the New Bedford School Department at New Bedford High School and Sea Lab. He also had worked as a fish lumper on the New Bedford waterfront.
Paul was a New England Heavyweight Champion Boxer and People's Choice Champion Boxer. Known professionally as "Paul Rocky", he was the youngest professional boxer at that time at the age of 17. He retired from the ring in 1975, then returned to boxing in 1990, with his last fight being in May 1993. His career record was 31-3, with 7 KOs.
He is survived by his wife, Gilda; two children, Melissa Amaral and her husband Clifford Amaral, and Bradford Poirier and his wife Kassidy Sharp-Poirier; his siblings, Emile Poirier, Jr., Louis Poirier, Kathy Paine, James Pike, and Pamela Alexander; three grandchildren, Ethan Amaral, Ava Amaral, and Maverick Poirier; and nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Lillian Pike and Jacqueline Pike.
His visitation will be on Friday June 30, 2017 from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, with a Funeral Service to be held at 7 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com. To learn more about Paul's life and career, please go to his website at www.paulrocky.com.