Paul grew up in Obi and attended Richburg Central School. Out of love for his country and just one month short of graduation, he enlisted in the Navy for the duration of WWII, serving in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. In 2001, Paul was awarded a diploma from Bolivar-Richburg Central School through Operation Recognition, a NYS Education Law created to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of veterans who left school before graduation. A true patriot, Paul enjoyed marching in the Waterloo Memorial Day parade with fellow veterans who had also completed basic training at Sampson Naval Training Base on Seneca Lake. He was a life member of the Sampson WWII Navy Veterans Organization and volunteered many hours alongside thousands of its members refurbishing what was once the base’s brig into a military museum.

Paul married his lifelong love, Phyllis J. Childs, on October 7, 1949 in Obi. They shared 70 wonderful years together supporting each other’s endeavors until her passing on December 2, 2019. After living in Cuba for a short time, they purchased a home in Obi. Paul worked as a supervisor in the neon department at Acme Electric for five years. During that time, he went door-to-door offering to provide trash pick-up service. What began as a means to add supplemental income for their growing family soon became the beginning of Neu Disposal.

Paul and Phyllis worked side by side as joint owners growing and operating a thriving business for 42 years, retiring in 1993. As a teenager, Paul developed an interest in aviation which led him to earning a private pilot’s license in 1970. Paul poured his heart into creating a loving home for his family, where countless cherished memories were made, especially during lively family celebrations. His famous BBQ chicken earned him the playful nickname "Chicken Man," a title he wore proudly.  He embraced life’s adventures with enthusiasm, enjoying memorable outings with his family that included boating, camping, snowmobiling, motorcycling, flying, sailing, and travelling across the country with his beloved wife during retirement.

Paul was truly an inspiring individual whose integrity shone through his every action. His kindness and generosity were evident in his numerous roles at the local community church, from helping with landscaping for a new building to serving as town assessor. He always went the extra mile for his neighbors, plowing driveways and brightening their holidays with festive decorations. With a warm smile and friendly conversation, he had a unique talent for lifting spirits and creating joy wherever he went.

Reflecting on his life, he joyfully shared, “I’ve had a very satisfying life.”

  His legacy inspires us to appreciate every moment!

Paul will be sorely missed by those left behind, his three daughters, Kathie (David) Neu Organ, Nancy (James) Burdick, and Bonita (Michael) Hennard; daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Michael) Neu; eight grandchildren, Mark (Eliaza) Neu, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Neu, Cynthia (John) Matheny, Laurel (Scott) Comstock, Amanda Burdick (Willfredo Santana), Josiah (Heather) Hennard, Melissa Hennard, and Ethan Hennard; 11 great-grandchildren, Claudia Neu, Patrick Neu, Lauren Neu, Chester (Kelsey) Matheny, Peyton (fiancé Hannah Drake) Matheny, Audria, Naomi, Brianna Comstock, Colton Comstock, Joshua Neu, and Aubrey Hennard; one great great-grandson, Dawson Matheny; sister-in-law Patricia (Lawrence) Learn; cousins, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and loving wife, Paul was predeceased by his son, Michael (Kathleen) Neu and siblings Gladys (Richard) Carr, Marguerite (Francis) Hepker, and Otto Neu.

At Paul’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home, Cuba.

Memorials may be made to the Cuba Area Veterans Living Memorial (contact Cuba Chamber of Commerce), Town of Cuba Ambulance Service (15 Water Street), or Meals on Wheels (contact Allegany County Office for the Aging).