- July 12, 2025
Paul H. Levesque died on May 7, 2025 at his Florida home. He was devoted to his lifelong love and wife of 63 years, Claire, whom he met when they were young teenagers. Together, they built a life filled with family and friends, great food, and world travel. With an easy confidence, Paul had a flair for conversation and the ability to connect with people that left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
In business, Paul forged his own path with intelligence, grit, and loads of charm. He started out selling magazines door-to-door at 17, then wrote and sold ads for The Standard-Times of New Bedford -- but found a true calling in radio. At 26, he became the country’s youngest radio station general manager. During his career, Paul managed stations in Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island, and was appointed to oversee J.J. Taylor Companies’ national radio group. He served on the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Board of Directors. Paul and Claire ultimately purchased and ran their own radio stations on Cape Cod. One of his colleagues aptly called him an “icon.”
After selling the radio stations, Paul retired at 57, remaining an avid investor and consumer of financial news. He and Claire traveled extensively. They even put up a map to keep track of where they had been and their next destination. Paul loved talking with people wherever they went, often forging bonds that lasted for life. Claire and Paul enjoyed entertaining, opening their home to guests for cocktails and dinner, special celebrations, and multi-day visits. A lifelong card player, Paul regularly hosted poker nights, stocking the house with each player’s favorite beverage and snack.
Paul and Claire loved cooking and eating all kinds of food. With adventurous palates and keen interest in new cuisines, they sought out authentic local dishes everywhere they traveled. The question “what’s for dinner?” would result in their cookbook collection being strewn across the kitchen table as they chose a new dish to try.
Over the years, Paul served on homeowner boards in their communities. He was a devoted reader, an ardent swimmer who relished having a pool at their homes, and a fan of naps. Paul was also known for making late night phone calls, leaving funny voicemails with impromptu songs.
Paul is deeply missed and his memory will be cherished. He was born on November 6, 1941 to his now-late parents Hervey and Alice, and grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Paul is survived by Claire. He was immensely proud of their children: Kevin and late partner Denise; Christine and husband David; and Timothy and fiancé Tatiane. Paul adored his brothers, sisters- and brother-in-law: the late Gerard “Gerry” and wife Janet; Roger and late wife Cynthia; and Augustus “Butch.” He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sean; Zachery and wife Elizabeth; Marisa and husband James; Timothy; Tayla; James Jr.; and Jace, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are private. Donations are requested to the American Diabetes Association: P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, USA or via diabetes.org.
