Paul Joseph Sturgis

Paul Joseph Sturgis, 85, formerly of New Cumberland, PA, died peacefully, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Lake Prince Woods retirement community in Suffolk, VA.

Paul was born September 24, 1938, in Plainfield, NJ, to Ada P. Sturgis and Ralph E. Sturgis. He graduated from Haddonfield High School (NJ) in 1956 and was an active alumnus. He was a reservist in the United States Marines Corps until 1964. Paul graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics from Rutgers University in 1960 and an MBA from NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology) in 1987.

He married the love of his life, Joan R. Blades, in 1960 and together they celebrated their 63^rd wedding anniversary on September 17, 2023 just 11 days prior to her passing.

Paul was a strong believer in Jesus Christ which influenced all the life decisions he made.   

He moved his family to Schroon Lake, NY in 1974 to work for Word of Life International where he worked for 13 years as the Director of Information Systems. After his time at Word of Life, he took a position with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he became their Director of Information Systems. In 1993 Paul and Joan moved to New Cumberland, PA as part of ABWE’s headquarters relocation to central PA. Paul and Joan then became members of Grace Fellowship Church in York, PA and most recently cherished their membership and involvement at New Life Church in New Cumberland, PA.  

After retirement, Paul continued to volunteer annually on short term mission trips to the Word of Life camp in Panama. He made sure his grandchildren as well as some of their friends and family joined in these trips as well. Paul was an Eagle Scout and a Boy Scout summer camp leader for many years. He also served on the BSA Council for the State of PA. Paul ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC at the age of 60. This was his first and only marathon.

Paul enjoyed going to Hershey Bears hockey games and Harrisburg Senators baseball games with his son and grandchildren. Every year, Paul (Pop) and Joan (Mimi) would take their grandchildren to spend a week or two at the Word of Life Family Campground. The entire family also went on two cruises together. Paul and Joan strived to create wonderful memories and build a Christ-centered family legacy.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Karen Joan McIntyre (Andy) VA; son, Brian Paul Sturgis (Donita) PA; grandchildren, Michelle (Dan), Lauren (James), David (Emma), Brian, Summer; great-grandson, Aiden; sister, Carol Sanville (Dale); brother, Edward Sturgis (Sue); and sister-in-law, Christine Sturgis (late brother Ralph E. Sturgis). Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also have treasured memories and stories. “Dad, Pop, Pop-Pop, U.P. Paul” was loved by all who knew him, and he desired to have an eternal impact on those around him.

A Celebration of Life service to honor Paul will be held at New Life Church (New Cumberland, PA) on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM. All are warmly welcomed to join the family for a light lunch reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Word of Life Fellowship, www.wol.org or to ABWE International, www.abwe.org.