Paul Leo Vigeant, of Westport, MA, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 72, following a fierce fight with pancreatic cancer. Born on November 8, 1952, Paul was a man of great love. A husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and advocate to all. Having grown up in New Bedford, MA, Paul was the third of four siblings. He graduated from SMU, now UMass Dartmouth, and received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from URI. Paul always had peoples' backs. He was a pioneer in economic development in New Bedford, Fall River, and Boston. He was a champion for people's rights and right to work. For over 20 years Paul was Vice Chancellor of Economic Development at UMass Dartmouth, and was integral in bringing offshore wind to the SouthCoast. In fact, he claimed he coined the term "SouthCoast." While Paul was a public servant for decades, that's not what he was most known for.
Paul is best known for the joy he brought to the world. Paul, aka Pepere, aka "crab man," aka "Paulie Buffet," always lit up a room. He was an international traveler, chef, amateur photographer, pro boater, and a martini-making man of mystery. Paul was a beacon of love, laughter, and endless generosity. Paul is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ann Vigeant; his daughters, Andrea and Leslie; his sons-in-law Yaakov and Michael; and his beautiful grandchildren, Paxton, Atticus, and Quinn; as well as his siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was a great man, and this world is truly a better place because of him. May you rest in peace and power, in the beautiful sunsets of the Westport River, and forever in our hearts.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to which relatives and friends are invited will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Church, Westport at 11 AM.
Interment to follow in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport.
A Celebration of Life will take place in the Fall.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Project Purple in Paul's name at
https://www.projectpurple.org/