Paul R. Deguise, 88

Paul Robert Deguise, 88, a lifelong resident of Franklin, and recently of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, passed away on Aug. 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. After graduation he entered the U.S. Navy and served three and a half years on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Upon returning, he served in the National Guard.

Paul was a eucharistic minister at St. Paul Church in Franklin. He belonged to the choir, was a lector, director of bingo and a member 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 chaplain. 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 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 stepchildren, 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, Adam Griffin, and Madison Bartley; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Deguise and Barbara Deguise; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; three siblings, Cecile Lockwood, Gerard Deguise and Robert Deguise; brother-in-law Earl Lockwood; and niece Brenda Lee Lockwood.

Burial will be at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17.