Paul Anthony Sansevero

Paul Anthony Sansevero was born on April 19, 1948 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston MA. His parents, Nunziato and Marie Sansevero, were descendants of Italian immigrants who were living in the Brighton area outside of Boston before settling in Needham MA. Paul was the middle child between sisters Rosemarie and Carol. 

Paul graduated from Needham High School in 1966. He was an avid gymnast and enjoyed playing rock and roll music with his high school band. He couldn’t wait to graduate so he could finally grow out his hair like the Beatles!

Paul attended Boston University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the School of Communications in 1970. He loved photography and opened his own professional color photo lab in Wellesley MA. Paul was considered an “expert color photo finisher” as he was able to color correct by eye, a quality and skill many wish to achieve. Local businesses often sought his expertise and experience.

On a wintry day during the “blizzard of 1978” Paul met his wife Roberta Rosa, who he saw climbing out of snowplow from across the street in Wellesley MA. He was instantly smitten and they were married in December that same year.

On January 14, 1986, Paul and Roberta welcomed their only child, Tina Marie, while living in Norfolk MA. They were a close family, spending weekends and holidays with extended family and friends. They traveled many places, living in Texas for several years before settling in North Carolina in 2006. During Tina’s school years, Paul was a stay-at-home dad and could often be found doing yard work or working on home improvement projects. Paul worked with the Citizens Police Academy in Texas and North Carolina where he supported local police jurisdictions with community watch. Paul spent many years working in the technology field as a trainer and educator as well. 

Paul joined the Ascension Episcopal Church community in Hickory NC where he was also employed as the sexton for over 10 years before retiring in 2022. Paul took his role seriously, working long hours to ensure the church was clean and functional for God’s servants. He was remembered for his love of animals, including a raccoon he named Rocky that lived outside the church.

As an avid animal lover, there was never a time when Paul was without a beloved pet. He rescued many stray cats during his life, some finding a comfortable home with him while others were always surrendered to no-kill shelters. In support of his fellow animals, Paul became a vegetarian and often donated to local animal rescue groups.

Paul left this world with peace and dignity on November 9, 2024 after a brief illness. Although his earthly body remains, his soul is whole and well again and will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. As an Episcopalian, Paul knew his journey did not end in death but has only just begun. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Fur Babies Rescue, a no-kill animal rescue group, located in Hickory NC. https://furbabiesrescue.org/about-us/

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