Paul Robert Deguise, 88, a lifelong resident of Franklin, NH and most recently of Fountain Inn, SC, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026. He was the son of the late Gerard and Eva Masse Deguise and husband of Gail S. Deguise.
Paul attended St. Mary’s School and was a 1955 graduate of Franklin High School. During the same year Paul entered the United States Navy and served 3 and a half years on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Upon returning, he served in the National Guard for several years.
Paul was a Eucharistic Minister of St. Paul’s Church in Franklin; he belonged to the choir, a Lector, director of Bingo and a member in good standing of the Knights of Columbus. In addition, he was a Boy Scout Leader.
In his later years Paul was a member of the Mason Lodge #20. He was an Honorary Past Master and served as Chaplin. He received the John Sullivan award in 2019. Paul was an avid and skilled woodworker, spending hours in the “shop” and “barn.” He was a member of the Franklin Footlight Theatre and the Concord Coach Square Dance Club.
In addition to his former spouse Patricia Richardson Tuck; Paul is survived by two children, Lisa Kessler (Thomas) and Paul Michael Deguise (Maureen); two grandchildren, Sara Kessler-Kennon (Robert) and Alexander Deguise; three step-children, Kelly Russell (Theo), Sandra Lussier (Marc) and Ryan Griffin (Maggie); seven step-grandchildren, Jael Russell, Alyssa D’Alessio (Noah), Lauren Hair, Kaitlyn Griffin, Kimberly Griffin, Afam Griffin, and Madison Bartley; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Deguise and Barbara Deguise along with nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Cecile Lockwood, Gerard Deguise, and Robert Deguise; brother-in-law, Earl Lockwood and niece Brenda Lee Lockwood.
Burial will be held at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen.
2 Responses
All the ladies at United Community Bank in Fountain Inn are so sad to hear about Mr. Paul’s passing. Mr. Paul and Mrs. Gail have always been such a pleasure to serve. We will miss seeing Mr. Paul and his infectious smile and personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Gail and their family during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences are with the family during this most difficult time.
My condolences to you and your families on the loss of your dear Paul. Thanking him for his military service. May peace and God be with everyone during this sad time in your lives. May Paul rest in eternal peace.