Pendergast: Paul Joseph,
Peacefully at Matthews House Hospice, Alliston, on December 28, 2024, after a brief, but fierce fight with cancer. Paul, aged 79, was the beloved son of the late William “Bill” and Mary Ann “Mae” Pendergast. Loving brother of Jim Pendergast (Anne), the late John Pendergast, and Margaret Rowland (the late Fred). Dear uncle to Kathy, Rob (Tricia), Lesley (Michael Naft), Elena (Miguel Ebrahimi), Laura (Sherif Attia), Julie, Tom, and Mary. Forever in the hearts of his extended family and many friends. Paul was lovingly surrounded by family and friends both in person and in spirit during the last six weeks and delighted in his many visitors.
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Monday January 6, 2025 from 1-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Church 2118 Adjala-Tecumseth Townline, Colgan, on Tuesday January 7, 2025 at 11:00am. Interment will be held in St. James Cemetery Colgan. Reception to follow in the funeral home’s Cliffside Hall.
Paul requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Matthews House Hospice in Alliston or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Monday January 6, 2025
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Monday January 6, 20256:00pm - 8:00pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. James Church
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0
Tuesday January 7, 202511:00am
Tom and Gaille Musgrove says
We remember Paul when he used to tend bar for the dances at St James held by the Parents Resource Geoup. He was
Always happy and joking and seemed to know everybody. Paul was a joy to be around.
Feizal says
Yesterday I heard that Paul had passed away.My heart sank and I was unable to talk for a while on the phone.I may have been his last customer he worked for in Adjala as he came to check out a problem with a breaker on a Friday in the Fall.I noticed that he didn’t looked the same as how I knew him over 30 years ago when he did countless jobs for me both at the farm and in the city of Toronto.I called him on the Saturday and he told me that he will be away as the problem was not fixed.I then subsequently called him countless times and there was no answer.I thought something was wrong as he always answered over the years.I found nothing in the Obituaries up until the middle of December.I kept calling until I got an answer that the phone was no longer in service until I contacted a friend who gave me the sad news.
Over the years,I found Paul to be a honest,knowledgeable ,skilled “Jack of all trades”and this was from his years of experience.He has rescued me on several occasions and charging me less than half for all his work but I always rewarded him accordingly for the jobs.I never knew that a person can go down in a well with a ladder as he had done several times and every time I would ask him to replace the pump just in case as he is in the well and his answer was always the same,” the pump is working fine, do you want to waste your money”!…I always asked him if he is training someone to take over and his answer was that the younger folks don’t want to work hard.One time after a job he had done for me and I did not have the cash on hand,he said next time and after a long period I asked his childhood friend Joe Small(deceased now) (Mary Small’s ( former Mayor)brother where he was living and he took me to his home on the Townline where I placed the cheque in his mail box.Several times, from the city, I have called Paul with a (SOS) and he would be there to assist.Again, he always charged way less and if there was no problem he would tell me demonstrating his honesty! He was always compensated accordingly as his bill was always less! We cannot find someone like Paul again.The world has lost a treasure of a human being! A friend of mine in the city was having a problem with the faucet in her bath tub and she had several contractors who told her they would have to break the wall.I told her that when Paul comes down from Tottenham, I would ask him if he can look at it which he certainly obliged. He came and did the repairs in a few minutes(he always had spare parts in his van) and I told her that the bill was going to be small and that she must have twice the amount of money on hand,Paul was a gem! I will truly miss him and would like to meet and convey my deepest condolences in person to his families!
Dick and Vren Maguire says
Loved the way Paul teased us . He was there for us over 50 years . He was one of a kind .
Teresa says
Paul was our plumber for over 30 years. He was kind ,funny and above all helpful. We will miss his smiling face and expert knowledge . May Paul RIP
Kevin Patrick Boston says
Paul was a great person who helped us build our lovely home. He was always humble and honest.
Janice Mason says
We were very sad to read about Paul’s passing in the Tottenham Times newspaper today, January 9th, 2025.
Paul was our plumber for over 30 years.
I remember he came out to our home in 1998 on Thanksgiving Sunday to replace the submersible pump and replaced it again this past April.
Always pleasant, knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense of humour. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.
He will be greatly missed. God speed Paul! It was a privilege knowing you.
With sincerity,
Perry & Janice Mason
Phil Stubbs says
Remember playing hockey with Paul years ago. Always had a laugh with him. Rip Paul
The Nicholas Family says
With our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. May the fond memories grant you peace and comfort as you mourn the loss but also celebrate the life lived.
Cherie O'Connor says
To the Pendergast family we offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Paul. Paul was such a bright light and always made us smile. His sincerity, good humour and generosity always on offer to everyone & anyone he met. We will always think of him with an abundance of fondness.
Cherie & David O’Connor-Sworn
MaryLou and Paul Maher says
Keeping the Pendergast family in our thoughts and prayers, and remembering Paul’s playful spirit. Paul always left his mark when visiting…. tying our shoe laces in knots or placing our shoes throughout the house in all those hard-to-reach places. These fond memories are a true testament to his character and will be remembered always.
Hen Andrade says
On behalf of the Jop family, we offer our sincere condolences.
Paul was always there for us without fail. He offered his time and contagious energy willingly and with a smile.
May he be rewarded in heaven with the same joy and peace that he shared with us during his life.
Josie, Henrietta and Dorothy Jop
Iain Clinton says
My wishes of condolences. Paul was a great gentleman and a great sense of righteousness and a sense of humour.
Bernie Eagan says
Paul was “ one of a kind “ in so many ways : Christian charity , friendship , helper-in-need , jokester and an all round ,genuine, lovely individual . If Oscars were given out in heaven then he would surely win The Good Deeds award , for he did countless of them throughout our community and beyond . He will be greatly missed . May he rest in peace in the presence of the Lord .
Joan & Allan MacDonald says
The Community of St. James Parish has lost another faithful life-long member. Paul will be missed by so many of us. He always worked so hard and was willing to help anyone with plumbing issues, usually charging far less than the job was worth. Paul was my third cousin, which meant I was greeted by Paul with a, “Hi Cuz”. Rest In Peace Cuz!
Pattie Campbell-Ladouceur says
Extending our deepest sympathy to Jim, Anne, Kathy, Rob and extended family. When I think of Paul I smile, fondly remembering his kindness to so many. From our early baseball days in Colgan to his endless support within the community, Parish and beyond. A true pillar of the Colgan community who will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
God Bless!
Pattie, Tim and Family
Hal & Madelyn Rutledge says
Dear Pendergast Family
So sorry for your tremendous loss. Lyn Coombs said it well…”We would do well to follow Paul’s lifelong example : making people happier for simply being him. “. Paul never stopped giving ! He was the coach, convenor and chauffeur of many baseball teams for Colgan youth for many years. Then when we grew up, he was the bar stocker and bartender for all of our community showers at St James School. This was his leisure time ! We all know how much of himself he gave being our local community plumber for his entire life!
And he did it all with such good humour ! Thank you Paul for your lifelong service to our community. We will never forget your goodness! . Hope you are resting in peace ! You certainly earned it! ❤️❤️
Lyn Coombs says
We would do well to follow Paul’s lifelong example: making people happier for simply being with him. There’s a lot to be said for that. Paul’s ready smile and ever present twinkle always lit up a room, a heavenly star right here on Earth we had the pleasure and honour of knowing for decades. He’ll be sorely missed.
Clareece Potts says
So sorry to hear about Paul. He was such a good man..I called him many times for repairs and referred him to friends and family. He was always cheerful and positive. Always fair and hard working. R.I.P. Paul, you will be missed.
Andrew Kokelj says
Condolences to the Pendergast family and Paul’s many friends. His sense of humour, no matter what the situation was always a there to help ease the way. Must be a goalie thing. Rest in peace Paul.
Al & Judy Lord says
Dear Pendergast Family,
We offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Paul. Paul wonderful gentleman who we have known for close to 50 years, not only as our neighbour, but our plummer and also his late brother, John, who supplied us with hay for our horses. We pray that you all find comfort in cherishing the great memories that Paul has left with your family.
Sincerely,
Al & Judy Lord
Jim and Gayle Lang says
Dear Anne, Jim and family – please accept our sincere condolences on the death of Jim’s brother, Paul. Although we never met Paul, we heard what a good man he was and that he was always helping others! Paul will be greatly missed by many – May he Rest In Peace!
Robert & Donna McCarthy says
Jim,Anne,Kathy and Rob
We send our sincere condolences to the Pendergast family on Paul’s passing.
He is a great guy and will be missed. RIP Paul!
Bob & Donna McCarthy
Michael & Cheryl Ronan says
Paul could always be counted upon to help out wherever he was needed including all his hours in service to the parish. The Pendergast farm is adjacent to ours, so he was in fact our next door neighbor for my whole life.
Our deepest condolences to the Pendergast family.
Paul was a pillar of our community, and he will be missed.
Mike & Cheryl
Bill and Eilísh Boston says
Paul was a true gentleman, always there to help and did so with his skill, unique sense of humour and pleasant personality. We will miss him. May he Rest in Peace.
Joan Kwiatkowski says
Sincerest condolences to the Pendergast family. Paul was a wonderful, funny man and will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Paul, you deserve it. God has a right hand man now to handle all His plumbing needs.
Sam keenan says
I have been friends with Paul ever since we first met in grade one at the school in Colgan. He always had a good sense of humour and was not above playing a practical joke on someone.
Paul was known for his high work ethic and for the fact that whenever he saw anyone in trouble ,he was always there to help.
He was a good man, a honest man and a person that I was proud to call my friend.
My condolences to the family and friends of Paul
Mary Catherine Ronan says
Our sincerest condolences to the Pendergast family . Paul was a great guy always willing to help out anyone in need and I fondly recall how my Mom would reminisce about the first day she taught at St James grade 1 I believe Paul brought her fresh flowers from his garden ❤️ May you rest in Peace
Mike & Mary Catherine
Terry A. Behan says
I’m sure you will be the best and funniest emergency plumber in heaven! You were one of a kind!!!
Lori Maher (Laevens) says
Paul was truly one of a kind. He brightened everyone’s day with his kindness and sense of humour. No matter how busy he was, he ALWAYS made time for others. Paul was a dear family friend who will be missed by so many.
Lori Maher ( Laevens) says
Paul was truly one of a kind. His presence brightened everyone’s day with his sense of humour and kindness. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for others. Paul was a dear family friend and will be greatly missed.
Sharon Pendergast says
Rest In Peace Paul. You were a remarkable Uncle and respected community member. You quietly helped so many people and your kindness will always be remembered.
Sharon Pendergast
Barbara and David Bricknell says
So sorry to here of Paul’s passing. He will be missed.
Loretto Robinson says
My sincere sympathy to Paul’s family and friends. Paul was a dear soul, spreading joy and kindness throughout his life. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. May Paul rest in peace.
Mike and Anne Sledz says
We sure are going to miss this guy. He was such a good friend to us over the years, and rescued us often when our plumbing went awry. A fellow Polar Bar with Mike, and his roommate at many a tournament. We have so many great memories with this wonderful man. Our deepest condolences to the Pendergast family. Rest in peace Paul.
Betty Ann Asher says
Paul was a saint in our world!
He was a best friend to 3 generations of Kellys and Ashers in Loretto
Like many, we could not have managed without him!!
He loved to travel and brought great joy to whoever was with him!!!
May he rest in peace❤️
Don Robertson says
Paul was such a great man, always first at helping anyone that needed it and always liked to talk about hockey, and would make some funny remarks with a twinkle in his eye. He will be sadly missed by many. RIP Paul
Marc Ronan says
Another St James Community icon has left us. Deepest condolences to the entire Pendergast family. The Ronan Family
Rochelle Keogh says
To the Pendergast family, I offer my deepest condolences. I have so many wonderful memories of Paul as the kindest, gentle giant. So many Sundays were spent at the farm with him saddling up King for us to ride, followed by egg collecting and tasty treats from Mrs. Pendergast. He will certainly be missed.
Rochelle
Kathy Stoodley says
Our family have many dear memories of Paul! He had a great sense of humour and liked to play practical jokes always making the best of every situation
Our sincerest condolences to his beloved family and friends
Rest in peace Paul
Mercedes Yapp and family
Donna Banton says
Will miss Paul very much. Consider him a good friend as well as my plumber. Will miss him very much
Julia Moran-Grant says
My deepest condolences to my dear Cousin Paul’s brother, sister, nieces and nephews, in-laws and cousins as well as the many friends he made on his journey here. Growing up, Paul was much more than a Cousin to my sisters and I; he was a beloved “brother” and best friend. Heaven will be much rewarded by his magnanimous personality, his generosity of spirit and self and his bellowing laugh, while here we are left to fill the void with the fond memories we were fortunate to built with him.
Forever in my heart, dear Cousin, “Brother” and Best Friend, Paul.
Delphine Archibald, says
My sympathy to the family. He was our Plummer for a number of years.