Paul Joseph Desmarais

Paul Joseph Desmarais peacefully and unexpectedly passed away on August 14, 2024, at the age of 83, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, on May 27, 1941, to Adrienne and Alcide Desmarais, Paul learned the value of hard work at an early age. As a young boy, he helped in his father’s hardware store, earning occasional quarters for Saturday movie outings. Through high school, he worked at the local supermarket, sharing his paycheck with his parents to assist with the budget.

Paul had a lifelong love of the water—boating, water skiing, sailing, and simply enjoying the beauty of a sunrise or sunset from the dock. Music was another passion; while he took piano lessons like his siblings, his heart leaned toward classic country and the crooning of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed handball, racquetball, and tennis.

After graduating from Provost High School, Paul pursued his interest in electronics, earning his diploma from Rhode Island Radio and Electronics in 1960. In 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years, primarily stationed in Japan.

Paul married the love of his life, Janet, on August 26, 1967. He built a successful 30-year career at General Electric, working his way up from entry-level positions in production, purchasing, and sales to management roles that often required 80-hour workweeks. As a “GE gypsy,” Paul and his family moved eight times, balancing career ambitions with his dedication to his wife and children. Despite the demands of work and raising a family, he attended night school for eight years, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree, Cum Laude, from Lowell University in 1976.

Retiring at 53 as a Regional Manager in GE’s Apparatus Service Division in Atlanta, Paul found joy in the simple pleasures of life—boating, cruising, reading, and playing cards with friends. Living on Lake Lanier was a dream come true, where he delighted in sharing boat rides with every visiting child, encouraging them to “drive the boat.” His community involvement was equally meaningful, volunteering for seven years with the Northeast Georgia Medical Center to install medic alert buttons for elderly residents.

In 2016, Paul and his wife, Janet, relocated to Texas to be closer to their grandchildren. Paul enjoyed breakfast dates with his granddaughters and was also an active member of the Del Webb Veterans Club.

Paul had a great sense of humor, always bringing smiles to those around him. He created cherished traditions, from mystery rides with his grandchildren to the legendary “catch the imaginary ball in a brown paper bag” game that entertained young nieces, nephews, and grandkids. One of his most treasured memories was a Disney cruise celebrating his and Janet’s 50th anniversary with their entire family—children, spouses, and six grandchildren—a trip filled with love and laughter.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; daughters, Kathryn Kogut and Kristen Pohl; son, Jason Desmarais; brothers, Marc-André and Georges Desmarais; and his six cherished grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrienne and Alcide Desmarais; sister, Pauline Mackzum; and daughter, Kara Leigh Desmarais.

"No one is guaranteed happiness. Life just gives each person the time and space. It's up to us to fill it with joy." – H. Jackson Brown

Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Eickenhorst Funeral Services Chapel, 12412 FM 2854 Rd, Conroe, TX 77304. The Celebration of Life will begin at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to U.S. VETS (usvets.org). To make a tribute gift, please click on “Dedicate my donation” during the donation process, or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation ( www.t2t.org ).

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