Paul J. Ranaghan

Paul J Ranaghan of Hingham, formerly Norwell and Cambridge, lost his long battle with COPD  and short struggle with lung cancer on October 31, 2022 at age 79.  He died peacefully at his Linden Ponds apartment home with family by his side. Paul leaves his cherished wife and best friend, Sandra Dunbar; beloved siblings David (Dorie) and Joan Ranaghan; wonderful children Lisa Beucler, Mark Ranaghan, Stephen (Jeannine) Ranaghan, Alexander (Stephanie) Dunbar, Carolyn (Glen) Dunbar, Joanna (Ted) Lightburn and ten amazing grandchildren. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Bernadine Ranaghan and his first wife, Elizabeth.

Paul grew up in Somerville, graduated Matignon in 1960 and spent many years in retail sales management.  Second jobs were his norm and included proofreading for Maine Yankee, operating a pizza shop, owning a vending business, part time accounting and courier work.  Paul loved to drive and particularly enjoyed being paid by the mile to deliver legal and/or financial packages during off-peak hours while listening to his favorite sports in his Prius. 

Paul loved almanacs and maps, Boston Bruins and the Patriots, Coca Cola and Chinese food, classical music (especially the Baroque Era), challenging crossword puzzles and books of many genres. He was a regular at the Puritan Bridge Club and local friendly poker games.  When he traveled, Paul liked to visit sports venues he had watched on TV; he and Sandy located and played in local ACBL Duplicate games across the US, as well as in Vancouver, Hamilton, London, etc. On cruises, somehow the shore excursions were always covered by Paul’s winnings at the cruise ship poker table. 

Paul was an easy going gentleman with encyclopedic knowledge, quick wit and dry humor who did not dwell on problems or disappointments. He was not easily distracted and lived one day at a time, with 34 years of sobriety at his death. He retained his humor and insight until a few days before the end and talked about his surprise at his long life, his deep gratitude for the many blessings he had received and how lucky he was to have lived “in the very best of times.”  Paul died in the late evening of a truly spectacular fall day, with local foliage at full golden color. 

Paul’s family is deeply appreciative of the compassionate care he received from NVNA Hospice and Home Instead caregivers during his final few months. Funeral arrangements are private. A Memorial Service will be organized next year. Paul J Ranaghan will be missed and remembered. 

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