Parkman – Paul Thomas McAvoy Sr., 90, passed away peacefully June 8, 2026, at Pleasant Meadow Estates in Dover-Foxcroft surrounded by family. He was born February 25, 1936, in Benedicta, the son of Thomas J. and Loretta (Seal) McAvoy.

Paul started his life in Maine and moved, as a very young man, to Connecticut to begin a work life there. Through hard work and dedication, he became known as a go-getter and ingenuitive worker who quickly took the attention of construction and business owners in the New Canaan area. He helped build many local well-known buildings, including the Glass House and the Round House in Wilton, CT.

He met his wife, Barbara through a mutual friend in 1958. He worked for the Home Oil Company until its closure in 1984. Following that, Paul and Barbara started their very successful Mermaid Pool Water business in New Canaan operating it until their retirement in 2008. After retirement they moved to Parkman, Maine to the family farm.

Paul had many interests. Those who knew him would see him on his zero-turn yellow mower making the upper fields look like a golf course. He had liked to putter and work on his plows, trucks, tractors. He was always planning a project, moving rocks and restructuring his environment into a bigger vision. He is known for the enormous flagpole he erected in the field, proudly displaying a 6’ x 10’ lite flag. But above all, Paul is known for his smile and his sense of humor.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Sharon Hanba and her husband, Erik, of West Olive, MI; son, Paul McAvoy Jr. and his wife, Sue, of Sangerville; granddaughter, Lindsay Sands and her husband, Garrett; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Cohen, and Aubrey Sands, all of Dover-Foxcroft; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara (Reinholt) McAvoy; his parents, Loretta and Tom; brothers, James, Charles, and Ronald McAvoy, and his beloved cat, Babe.

A graveside memorial service will be held 10AM Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Lawn Cemetery, Guilford. Immediately after the service, there will be a lunch held at the farm for those who would like to join. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.