Paul A. Bates

Paul Alan Bates passed away on May 26, 2026. Across his 74 years, Paul lived in nearly two dozen places from Maine to Texas, but always called Boston home. He had a strong work ethic, holding several jobs starting at a young age, even missing the Woodstock Festival because he had to work as a roofer for the Town of Weymouth.

As a graduate of Northeastern University in civil engineering, he embarked on a career that spanned over 40 years at PPG, Arco Chemical, Lyondell, and ultimately BP, as a turnaround and operations expert until he retired to North Carolina. He had a passion for genealogy and was a dedicated member of the Mayflower Society. A natural leader and problem solver, he was exceptional at his job and truly enjoyed it, but he cared deeply that it allowed him to provide for his family. Likewise, he was incredibly proud of his children’s careers and the independence this afforded them. He appreciated that he could send his wife, Mary Jo, out on adventures with Linda as they explored six continents.

Above all, Paul loved his family and spending time with them. As a parent and grandparent, he coached and cheered on youth sports, sat through several middle school band concerts, attended more karaoke nights than one person should have to endure, laughed (and didn’t laugh) at many stand-up comedy shows, and watched an endless amount of dance performances. He was quick-witted, and his mouth would twitch just so into a smirk right before he delivered a line he was especially pleased with. He taught each of us how to ride a bike, swing a bat, do math, and despite his own inability, how to spell. He encouraged us to see the world and experience different cultures, taking us all over the world from Yogi Bear campgrounds to transatlantic cruises, from hiking in Stowe, VT to seeing the sunrise from Mount Sinai. We went camping, fishing, and hiking together. We swam in freezing cold mountain lakes and played wiffle ball with our cousins. We played millions of card and board games, and while his desire to win may have turned off a few, most of us met his competitive spirit. 

He preferred spending time with his family to going out with friends, but he was an incredible host and chef when the time came. From smoked salmon to grilled ribs to homemade ice cream, no one went hungry (or thirsty thanks to the incredible wines) if they were over, and everyone was welcome. He was an avid sports fan, cheering for the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox, and the Patriots, later adding the Pittsburgh Penguins to his roster after he met a rookie Mario Lemieux. He loved the ocean and swimming. He loved a weekend road trip. He loved music, especially the Beatles, Queen, and the Three Tenors. But most of all he loved his family, and he made sure we always knew it.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Mary Jo; his daughter, Carrie, and his granddaughters, Julia, Kate, and Lila; his son, Daniel, and his wife, Tina; his son, Joseph, and his wife, Katie; his brothers, Robert and Gregory; his nephews and nieces, Jason, Sarah, Christopher, Isabel, William, and Danielle; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, June and Richard Famularo; and his Aunt Linda and cousins Kathy, Julie, Christopher, and Jonathan along with their families. He is reunited in heaven with his parents, Frank and Marlene, as well as his brother, Philip, whom he missed greatly.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to the visitation from 10-11am in the C.C. Shepherd’s Funeral Home located at 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) South Weymouth on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM with a funeral service immediately following at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Abington. 

Paul held great gratitude and respect for the men and women who served and protected our country. In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.