Paul W. Small. 89. of Northfield, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of June 1st, 2017 at Linwood Care Center in Linwood, NJ.

Paul was born in Northfield, NJ on September 25th, 1927. He was delivered by his paternal grandmother in his grandparent's cookhouse, which was located on the property next to the home he enjoyed with his wife and daughter for 58 years. His parents were the late Robert Cecil and Anna Verta Small (nee Hewitt).

Along with his parents, he is pre-deceased by brother Pfc. Robert E. Small, who died serving his country in WWII; a brother Charles B. Small of St. Petersburg, FL; and an infant brother Wilson Small. Paul is survived by his loving wife of almost 65 years, Dolores M. Small (nee Hasson), who will hold him in her heart forever; and loving daughter and son-in-law Nancy Small Asselta and Nicholas V. Asselta of Vineland, NJ. He is also survived by sister Violet M. Hill of Largo, FL; sister and brother-in-law Elvanna and Alan Groome of Brooksville, FL; and Ronald J. Small of Vernon, FL.; In-laws: Richard Higgins of Egg Harbor City; Doris and Sonny Strockbine of Port St. Lucie, FL; Joan and John Lubin of Royal Palm Beach, FL; Jane Hartman of Absecon, NJ and her partner Charlie Doughty of Linwood, NJ; Bill Hartman of Egg Harbor Township and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Paul honorably served his country by enlisting and serving in the U.S. Navy in 1945, after his beloved brother, Robert E. was killed in action in Italy during WWII. After his service in the U.S. Navy, Paul entered the Atlantic City Trade School where he excelled in the study of Electrical Engineering. Ultimately however, he decided to pursue the profession of Sheet Metal Working. He served his Sheet Metal Workers apprenticeship with George J. Thomas Roofing in Atlantic City, NJ. and received his Certificate of Apprenticeship Completion by the U.S. Department of Labor in 1956. He worked for Kiker Roofing and Sheet Metal Company in Pleasantville, NJ for over 30 years and was an expert technical mechanic and tradesman long before the use of computer aided pattern layouts and computerized metal cutting and processing equipment. Paul was a skilled hand craftsman, highly respected by his peers, who was often called upon to fabricate, and install or troubleshoot the most difficult and involved projects. He worked on most of the grand landmark hotels in Atlantic City and The Noyes Museum as well as countless other structures including churches, schools, hospitals, businesses and residences throughout South Jersey. Paul retired in 1989 and was a proud 64 year member of The International Sheet Metal Workers Association and member of Union Local #27, formerly Union Local #43.

Paul loved nature and the outdoors and was an avid birdwatcher and a loving guardian and caretaker to his feathered friends. The birds, including his favorite Chickadees, would gather at his feet each morning, in all seasons, as he would sit outside and feed them. Most days they would be waiting by his chair for him before he even got outside. Although in his occupation he spent years working in the uncomfortable and wearing extremes of the heat and cold, he loved being outdoors and among nature. Following his retirement, for more than twenty years he took long and vigorous daily walks, until the time his legs could carry him no more. Paul was a true “Handy Man”… he could fix anything!! He loved working in his yard and on his home and built a small and beautiful saltbox building in his yard from scratch to hold more tools, equipment and birding supplies. Paul enjoyed gardening and for years produced a large and extensive vegetable garden, always bordered with his vibrant zinnias grown from the planted seeds of the previous year. One of his favorite hymns was “In the Garden”. Paul had a quiet and deep faith in The Lord and lived that devotion in his life, every day. He was also deeply patriotic and held deep respect for our country and its flag. He loved the music of John Phillip Sousa and loved antique cars and all history. He watched countless documentaries.

Paul epitomized what it means to be a “good family man” and he was the greatest one in the whole world. He was a loving husband and father who always worked so hard for his family and dedicated himself to them. He always put his family first and treasured time with them more than anything else. His family, his wife and daughter, and later, his son-in-law were his “whole life”, and were so blessed to have him. No words could ever express the deep love and gratitude for such a beautiful and gentle man, a loving and kind man of strong character and traditional family values. His family, quite simply, cherished him as he did them. He was treasured, adored and deeply loved by his daughter. His family is heartbroken to lose him, but Heaven has gained a very, very special Angel.

A viewing will be held from 9-11 AM, on Wednesday, June 7th at Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, 1650 New Rd in Northfield, with a prayer service at 11am. Burial will at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mays Landing. Any donations would be appreciated in his name towards the City of Northfield Veteran’s Park. Arrangements entrusted to and condolences for the family may be left at Adams-Perfect.com