BEVERLY- Paul J Lydon, 87, of Beverly died November 05, 2023, peacefully at home. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor (Biondi) with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Paul was born in Charlestown, MA, to the late Thomas and Winifred (Quinn) Lydon. He was a graduate of Charlestown High School.

From a very young age Paul had a love of water. He spent many years swimming for the Charlestown Boy's Club. After graduating from Charlestown High School, Paul proudly served as a Seabee in the United States Navy. While stationed in North Africa he built a pool on the Naval Base, managed the waterfront, and taught swimming to the Officer's children. Following Paul's service in the USN he taught swimming at the Roxbury Boy's Club, at the Marblehead YMCA, and at New England Divers in Beverly. He also worked for the Essex County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy, and was a member of the Underwater Search and Recovery Team. In 1982 Paul's lifelong dream came true, he opened the Paul J Lydon Aquatic Center in Danvers. Over the years Paul taught thousands of children and adults how to swim. One of his greatest accomplishments was coaching his Special Olympic Swim Team. In 1989, he took his team to the International Special Olympic Games which were held at the University of Notre Dame.

In his later years he enjoyed spending time with family at their camp in Oxford, ME and vacationing in Honolulu, HI. Paul was an avid Boston sports fan, and a true Townie; nothing made him happier than taking a drive to Charlestown on a Saturday afternoon.  He served on the Beverly Airport Commission, the National Swim School Association, and was a member of the Beverly Elks and the Old Charlestown School Boy's Association.

Paul is survived by his 3 children, Maureen Lydon and her Husband Timothy Becker of Hamilton, Kathleen Rantz of Danvers, Paul Lydon Jr. and his wife Kristin (Panunzio) of Beverly, and his son-in-law Joseph Rantz; four grandchildren, Emma Rantz, Timothy Becker Jr., Morgan Lydon, and Paul Lydon III. He is also survived by his brother E. Leo Lydon and his wife Eunice of Naples, FL, his sister Carol Devito of Marblehead, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas Lydon Jr. of Columbia, SC, his sister Phyllis Lydon, of St. Augustine, FL, and his sister Patricia (Lydon) Latham of Marblehead.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday November 13, 2023, beginning at 11:00 AM at St Mary-Annunciation Church, located at 24 Conant St, Danvers, MA 01923. Visiting hours will take place on Sunday November 12, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal St. Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Special Olympics of Massachusetts 512 Forest Street Marlborough, MA 01752 or to Charlestown Boys and Girls Club 15 Green St, Charlestown, MA, MA, 02129. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.