Obituary of Paul Robert Natale

Paul Robert Natale, 91, of Hilton Head, SC, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2017. Born and raised in Winthrop, MA, Paul descended from a long line of mariners. He loved the sea and sailed from a very early age. Paul competed successfully in many regattas, captaining his own sloop and was in demand to crew for others. Paul was a patriot who served his country in the US Navy during the Second World War and took pride in being descended from people who helped found this country in the name of religious freedom. His ancestors fought steadfastly in the American Revolution, at sea and on Bunker Hill and alongside George Washington at the Battle of Princeton. His ancestor, Major Samuel Moore, was among the first to fight in the American Revolution as a Minuteman at the Battle of Lexington in 1775. Known as "Zang" in his hometown, Paul played hockey from the time he was a boy, an early indication of the active lifestyle he would pursue. He continued his athletic career, taking his own turn as a Minuteman, as a varsity ice hockey player for the University of Massachusetts, earning a letter sweater that is still treasured by the family today. Paul loved the outdoors and, as a forester, managed National Forests for multiple uses that would benefit all. This included overseeing important recreational areas in New Hampshire, such as the Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain Ski Resorts. In addition to holding an advanced degree in forestry, he was also a qualified engineer. He put both those talents to use when he designed and built a section of the Appalachian Trail. Continuing his love of the active life, he and his wife Jo took up cross country skiing while living in New Hampshire. Paul was an avid duplicate bridge player, eventually acceding to the title of Bronze Life Master. He achieved this result after retiring to Hilton Head nine years ago. Prior to Hilton Head, he employed his skills as a forester during a longtime residence in Warren, PA. Son of the late William and Marguerite Natale, brother of the late Claire, Marguerite and William; he is survived by his loving wife Josephine Natale; his daughters and their spouses Lisa Drakeman (Donald), Sherry Natale, Cynthia Natale and Valerie Natale (Matthias Spycher); his grandchildren John Swierk (Lindsey), Cynthia Drakeman, Amy Drakeman (Josh Martin) and Olivia, Henry and Zach Spycher; his great-grandchildren Clara and Paul Swierk. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at The Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Hurricane Relief Fund of Greater Houston, https://ghcf.org/hurricane-relief/.