To live stream the Funeral Mass, go to https://www.harborview.live.
Paul G. Paget of Jamaica Plain, 99, passed peacefully on August 22, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born and raised in Brighton, MA, one of seven children to the late John and Ella (Guest) Paget and was owner of Boston’s iconic Swan Boats.
Beloved husband of Marilyn (Cotter) Paget of Lynn, MA whom he married in 1952. Together they raised five children. Paul is survived by his children Paul Paget Jr., and his wife Clare of Hingham, MA, Mark Paget and his wife Elizabeth of Shelton, CT, Jay Paget and his husband Ray Dalere of Boston, MA, Lyn Paget-Swardstrom and her husband Eric Swardstrom of Boston, MA, and Kristina and Patrick Palmer of Windham, NH. Paul is the proud grandfather of Andrew Paget, Matthew Paget, John Paget, Brendan Paget, Jeff Nyamwaro, Alex Paget, Keira Paget, Paul William Paget, Kyle Swardstrom, Vera Rae Swardstrom and Grace Swardstrom, and 10 great grandchildren. Paul is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Paul graduated from Boston Latin School in 1941 and interrupted his Boston College education when he entered the U.S. Navy during World War II. During his service in the war, he served as Commander of an amphibious landing ship in the Pacific Theater carrying military troops and supplies to the various islands in the Pacific. After the war, he completed his studies at Boston College and continued on to attend the B.C. Graduate School of Social Work from which he graduated in 1949 with a specialization in fundraising.
His professional contributions included executive and fundraising work at a number of non-profit organizations in the greater Boston area including Greater Lynn United Way, American Red Cross, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Massachusetts Fund for Children, Navy Relief Society, and Family Counseling and Guidance Centers.
During his lifetime, he served voluntarily on the boards of several organizations including the Boston Latin School Alumni Association, Boston College Alumni Association, Parkway Boys Club, Travelers Aid Society, and the Advisory Board of Aging of the Archdiocese of Boston. Paul was a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and a past Trustee of the Boston Catholic Television Center. Paul held a deep connection to the organizations he supported throughout his lifetime.
He was the grandson of Robert and Julia Paget, who established the Swan Boats in 1877 and in the early 1950’s Paul joined his father John in the family business. He combined a lifelong career working for numerous charitable organizations while managing the seasonal Swan Boat operation with the help and support of his wife Marilyn. His family continues to operate the business now in its 145th season.
Following the model of his generous ancestors, Paul donated thousands of free rides on the Swan Boats to various organizations serving disadvantaged communities throughout Boston and beyond. He never wanted to see a person denied the enjoyment of the peaceful ride along the Public Garden lagoon and insisted that people without the means would ride for free. He honored his family’s legacy providing hundreds of young men and women a unique and memorable job experience during their formative years. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing countless stories of his experience commandeering this small fleet with all who would listen.
Relatives and friends are invited to Visiting Hours at William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 169 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, MA on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 10am. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Catholic Charities Boston, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127.
For directions and guestbook gormleyfuneral.com.