Edward Martin Paul

Edward Martin Paul, affectionately known as Ed or Eddie, passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by family, in Naples, FL, after a short illness. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Melissa (Dean) Wattam of Cartagena, Spain, his sons Bryant (Cheryl) Paul of Bloomington, IN and Barry (Jennifer) Paul of Charlotte, NC; and his five grandchildren: Penelope, Lucas, Jack, Clementine, and Rebecca. He lived a life defined by integrity, perseverance, and devotion to his family and work. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Marjorie Paul (née Lazaroff), his parents Benjamin and Florence Paul, and sister Myrna Field.

Born on November 20, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ed spent most of his formative years in Bala Cynwyd, PA, eventually graduating from Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, PA in 1957. Ed was an outstanding athlete, playing starting linebacker for the vaunted Lower Merion High School's 1955 and 1956 Championship football teams. He also lettered in shot put and the quarter mile for the school’s championship track and field team.

After graduating high school, Ed enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with honor until his discharge in 1964. He also pursued higher education at the University of Miami (FL), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1962.

In 1969, Ed founded the Edward M. Paul & Company Real Estate Brokerage. Over the next five decades, he built it into a respected firm known for its professionalism, fairness, and integrity. He led by example, possessing (and respecting nothing more than) a strong and honest work ethic. He was a board member of the Philadelphia Realtor Board and House Committee at the Union League, as well as serving with many philanthropic organizations.

Edward was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, whether at his beach house in Margate, NJ, his home in Naples, FL, or during the many trips the family took to various seaside destinations. Ed had a passion for staying active and engaged. He was intensely committed to physical fitness, overcoming many health issues with an extraordinary resilience. He exercised religiously, even in the face of increasing physical limitations. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch sports—particularly when a Philadelphia area team was playing. Investment management wasn’t just a significant part of his profession; it grew to become one of his favorite hobbies. He LOVED a good joke, though he typically couldn't tell one (often giggling through his punchlines so much that listeners couldn’t understand them).

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Main Line Reform Temple, 410 Montgomery Ave, Wynnewood, PA (a livestream of the service will be accessible at mlrt.org/livestream). Interment will follow at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA. A reception for friends and family will follow at the Laurel Hill West Conservatory. Shiva will be observed at 380 E. Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood, PA, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, with services at 7:00 PM, on Monday, April 14 and Tuesday, April 15.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either of two charities reflecting his interest in making the world a better place: the American Cancer Society www.donate.cancer.org and/or the Humane Society www.humaneworld.org.

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