Obituary of Martin W. Paulsson

Martin W. Paulsson, 77, of Lawrenceville, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020 at Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton. Born in Atlantic City, NJ, he graduated from Trenton State College in 1967 with a Bachelor’s degree in History, and earned both his Masters degree in History in 1972 and his Doctorate degree in History in 1991 from Rutgers University. His book on Atlantic City, entitled The Social Anxieties of Progressive Reform, was published by NYU Press and earned numerous awards and accolades. Doctor Paulsson, or simply Paulsson as he was popularly known, taught for over 30 years at Lawrence High and was also a History Professor at The College of New Jersey and later at Rider University. He was grateful to have had the opportunity to impact the lives of so many inside and outside of the classroom as a teacher, professor, student-teacher supervisor, and coach. A resident of Lawrence for 45 years, he was well-known in the community, a member of numerous organizations and a participant in many local programs. He enjoyed a number of pastimes but mainly loved carpentry, fishing, and playing tennis. An avid baseball fan throughout his life, he also enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies. He is predeceased by his parents Albert and Eleanor Miller Paulsson, father-in-law James Russo and his sister Lynda Soper; he is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Paula, his son Albert and his wife Melissa, daughter Mary and her husband Noah and daughter Gianna. He is survived by 6 grandchildren; Vincent, Michela, Christian, Cayden, Hunter and Hudson as well as beloved mother-in-law Mary Russo and brothers and sisters-in-law John and Rosemarie Monteleone, Craig and Anita Pulaski, Ron and Jami Jakubisin and Larry and Vicki Russo; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing regulations set forth, funeral services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made in Martin’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.