Born on February 16, 1931; Paul passed away on Monday, September 26 at age 91, after a fall. Paul was the devoted husband of Rosalie Mattioni Dear (D). Loving father of John (Nancy), Steven and Marc (Marion) Dear. The son of John David Dear Sr. and Margaret McDade Dear, Paul and his brothers were raised by his loving stepmother Anna Samworth Dear after Margaret passed when he was 12. He is survived by his two brothers, Ron and Greg Dear of Seattle WA. Paul was predeceased by Rosalie, his parents, stepmother and his brother David Dear of Ocala, FL. Paul married Rosalie on October 15, 1955 and the two of them began 65 years of married life. Paul had many interests, however Rosalie and his family were always first.

Paul and Rosalie were wonderful Grandparents to their ten grandchildren, Joshua, Ali (Micheal), Kayley, Jacob (Saghana), Jason, Rosalie, Carter, Eva, Cara and Marina. Paul also welcomed two great grandchildren, Mateo Dear and Tristan Sorg.

Paul attended Bucknell College from 1950 to 1953 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. After Graduation from Bucknell, Paul was hired at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard where he spent the next 36 years helping to keep the world's largest Navy running at peak performance; handling the positions as a lead for the Vibration Analysis group and as a Sea Trial Coordinator for the aircraft carriers and support vessels that would enter the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for repairs and upgrades. The upgrades and overhaul of the USS New Jersey was a job that had a special meaning to him. He spent many years traveling to vessels overseas to prepare for their arrival at the yard for repairs or to provide analysis of poorly performing equipment.

Paul married Rosalie Mattioni in October of 1955 and had an amazing 65 years of married life. Paul was an excellent handyman and loved working on his houses on 1018 Tyson Ave and 39 Monroe Drive; updating and fixing the houses as his family grew to include his three sons. When the Mattioni Family purchased the "Beach House" in 1970, Paul worked diligently with his brother and sister-in-laws each year to open the house and maintain the old home for the many years they owned the family beach house. It was a house filled with many fond memories.

Paul and Rosalie were very successful as a couple, owning a number of homes over the years. When John graduated college and was looking to purchase a home, Paul and Rosalie were there to help. When Paul's mother Ann needed a place to live after selling her home in Philadelphia, there was a home in Cherry Wood she could move to. When Marc and Marion returned from Japan, Paul and Rosalie were able help them get settled in. Paul and Rosalie were always ready to assist, and their support came from an incredibly generous heart.

Paul was active in Abington Baptist Church and became a Deacon at Somerdale Presbyterian Church after they moved to NJ in 1969. He loved Bowling, Golf, and Baseball both as a participant and a fan always rooting for our Philadelphia home teams. He played competitive chess, never letting his children beat him and he was an umpire in the Blackwood Kiwanis League when his children played little league baseball. His recent trip to the Phillies Game; just weeks before his passing, for their 9th inning win over the Marlins will be a memory cherished all of us.

When his sons became interested in skiing in the mid '70s, Paul and Rosalie headed to the slopes in their mid-40's to learn how to ski. Being committed to the point of sharing the rental of a home in the Pocono's with Rosalie's Brothers and Sisters. Never a master but always an avid participant, it is a memory his sons carry fondly.
Paul's booming voice was something friends from the neighbor still fondly recall; his "Johnny, Stephen and Marc, DINNERTIME!" was a call for all the kids in the neighborhood; and most knew that it was time to come home when Mr. Dear calls in the boys.

Paul's greatest gift was his empathy for those in need. Whether driving a friend or family member to a doctor's appointment or helping a grandchild who needed a ride to their music or sports practice. Paul counted Joe Bavuso among his closest friends, so when Joe became ill there was no question that Paul would be there to help him with trips to dialysis and doctor's visits.

As Rosalie and Paul's grandchildren arrived, Paul became Paul-Paul to this younger generation; his love for his ten grandchildren was readily apparent, and spending time with them as they grew to adulthood was one of his greatest joys. One always knew there would be great food, conversation, and joy during visits with Paul and Rosalie.

Their house was always a welcome spot for their grandchildren to stay. When Stephen, Eva, and Marina moved out west; flying home to visit with Paul-Paul and Nana were trips that remain as highlights of their travels back East.

Nana and Paul-Paul were always willing to host family events, even as their family expanded. Rosalie and Paul's 50th wedding anniversary family retreat to the Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia where they rented cabins and hosted the entire family was one especially memorable week filled with joy, happiness and fun.

Paul traveled much in his life, whether it was for work on the Naval Ships or for family trips; he was always ready to drive or fly. Kansas City with Rosalie and Marc, vacations to the Northwest to visit his brothers in Seattle, trips to Disney World with John and Nancy or with Stephen and Aase, an RV adventure to New England with sister Mary's family, Italy with his brothers and sisters and a family trip to Jenny and Simon's Wedding in Seattle. Whatever the invitation, he was always game to try.

Paul and Rosalie contracted Covid in December of 2020. After three weeks in the hospital and six weeks of convalescence at Manor Care Rehab, West Deptford, NJ Paul moved to All American Assisted Living in Sewell, NJ. Paul lost his Rosalie to Covid at this time, but he displayed amazing resilience at All America and was a loved member of the community. He always worked hard to maintain his strength and loved the people, activities, and events hosted by All American. Paul's last 18 months were a blessing to his family.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 5th at 2pm at the Westtown Friends Meeting, 215 Friends Meeting Ln, West Chester, PA 19382.

Paul loved to garden and he loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Donations in lieu of Flowers can be made to achildshaven.org

Relatives and Friends may share Memories at GardnerFuneralHome.com

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