Paul H. St. Linger of Salem passed away on December 1 at the age of 76 after a nearly three year stay at Ledgewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Beverly.

Mr. St. Linger was well known and loved by friends and neighbors in the Historical Derby Street Neighborhood in Salem. While Paul was physically ill during his last few years he was as joyful, witty and intellectually engaged on current events with all whom he came in contact. Thanks to Mass DOT and wheelchair rides, Paul even managed to enjoy independent visits to his home territory in the earlier stages of his stay at Ledgewood.

Paul retired just a few years ago from the State of Massachusetts Highway Department, headquartered in Arlington.   He worked as a Roadside Coordinator for more than 30 years and received many commendations for his proficiency and kindness.  Paul is one of the truly unsung heroes of the Department of Transportation –those men and women who keep the highways clean and safe for all of us.

Mr. St. Linger served in the US Air Force in the 60's and followed this with serving in the 70's and 80's in the Army National Guard as a member of Battery C at the Danvers Armory.  His background and schooling in nutrition prepared him for his responsibilities with the Guard in Food Service. Paul's lifelong cooking interest had previously brought him much pride in winning the New England Apple Bake Contest in 1974—as a result of the bakeoff held in Bermuda in the early days of TV cooking contests.

Mr. St. Linger was a lifelong member of the Franco-American Club and a member of the American Legion in Beverly.  Paul was always helping others in his community whether he was in his home territory or traveling to the Midwest, Florida or overseas, particularly to France and Germany.

Paul H. St. Linger wrote poetry and thus had an appreciation for the wit of others. This led to an appreciation of statements on gravestones that cause one to pause, to think, or to laugh.  And so, in the North Beverly Cemetery one finds Paul's expression: "Time Changes as the Wind Blows."

Paul leaves a partner, Elaine Pelletier; and visiting relatives, an Uncle, Edmund Prue; and Cousin Ted Miller; and sister,  Anita Turner. He is predeceased most recently by Rosanne Barbeau, his Aunt.

In keeping with Paul's enjoyed enrollment in a few courses and advocacy for education at North Shore Community College, donations may be made to the Center for Alternative Studies Scholarship Fund Which Is designed specifically for part time students.  Services will be private under the direction of the Murphy Funeral Home in Salem, MA.  For on line guest book please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.