Personal Life

Born September 22, 1944, in Bushwick, New York, to Walter, Sr. and Marie Rickard, Paul was one of six children. Shortly after his birth, Paul’s parents, moved the growing family to Floral Park, NY. Growing up Paul had a love of baseball and basketball.  As a teenager he constantly played in the neighborhood and various local parks. It was not unusual for him to walk 5 miles to find a game.

Growing up Paul displayed a strong work ethic which was ingrained in him by his loving parents.  He had various jobs growing up, such as, delivering newspapers, working at Harry’s Delicatessen, Carvel and King Kullen Grocery Store. Paul’s parents valued education strongly.  He traveled a total of 4 hours per day by subway and bus to attend Bishop Loughlin High School from 1958-1962. While in attendance, Paul played violin in the school orchestra. After attending class all day and traveling he taught religious education at Fourteen Holy Martyrs School on Covert Street, Brooklyn NY.

Paul went on to attend St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. He paid his own way through college working full time at King Kullen Grocery Store. In addition to working full time, he was a member of the varsity crew team, played basketball as much as possible all over Brooklyn and Queens with the Floral Park Bombers and for the Long Island Press Team. All of this coinciding with meeting the love of his life, the former Maureen Mohan.

Paul married his wife Maureen on September 3, 1966 at St. Gregory the Great Church in Queens, NY.  Paul and Maureen were married for 51 years until Paul’s death. Their marriage was highlighted by seven children and fourteen grandchildren.

Paul had an enormous influence on his family.  Six of his children went on to receive advanced educational degrees. Five of his children are following in his footsteps working in the educational field. When Paul was not teaching or coaching, he enjoyed attending and supporting his grandchildren in their various activities. He spent much of his time in semi-retirement traveling the Northeast following his children’s education and careers.

A resident of the Minisink Valley Central School District for 31 years, Paul followed in his mother Marie’s footsteps and was a current member of the Minisink Valley Board of Education.

Paul was an active, faith-filled member of the parish community at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Otisville, where he had served on the Parish Council.

Paul felt that he was blessed with many opportunities in his lifetime and he was a firm believer of the American Dream.

Paul died on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at New York University Hospital.