Message from Mimi regarding Paul

M

marilynfl

Moderator
Today at 6:28 PM

Hello everyone, many of you will remember me as Mimi in QC from waaaaay back. I have the sad duty to let you know that Paul Massell died on July 14 after a long battle with cancer. As I am sure you know, he provided hosting and ran this community for many years, going back to when it first left Epicurious.

I have found out that the family is in dire need. I was going to direct you to a post on another forum Paul founded and was very active in, the Red Fans, a fan forum for his alma mater the Saint John's Red Storm basketball team...there was a plea from his wife Kay to please donate to Red Fans to help them with medical bills and funeral expenses. Now...the post is gone, I can't find it. She must have changed her mind. But I believe if you click on the "Contribute" button at the very top of this menu, the money will get to them. Or you can donate at the Red Fans forum here... The Worst Post Ever. It looks much the same.

[Marilyn: Here is our swap link for donations: RecipeSwap.org | RecipeSwap.org (Powered by Donorbox)]

I honestly haven't spoken to Paul in years and I don't know anything about future plans for this site. I do know, just from reading that forum mentioned above, that Paul's sons have promised the Red Fans that they will carry on his legacy and keep that site going, so after the funeral, in a few days, I will try to reach out to the family and see if they can also continue to host this site.

He was my boss for 9 years, a very decent, kind man, highly intelligent, fair, with an intense love for his family. A few years ago when I was in Arizona visiting, he emailed me to get together for coffee, but I was busy and didn't make the effort...I regret that now.

His daughter posted this beautiful message on Facebook yesterday:

My father passed away on Sunday morning, surrounded by his beloved wife, ten children, mother, and sisters. In his final moments, he heard our prayers, cries, and expressions of love.
For 18 months, he quietly battled a devastating diagnosis, enduring tremendous suffering. His doctors were astounded, ultimately describing his prolonged life as "miraculous." In his last week, he held on so each of his children could be present - a grace for which I will always be grateful.
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When he first received his cancer diagnosis, he discovered this quote from Bishop Fulton Sheen, and it defined his attitude every moment afterward. [Here she is referring to the quote in the attached image]
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My dad’s love for theology and entrepreneurship shaped my life's path. Though I had much more to learn from him, I find solace in knowing he is at peace, free from suffering and experiencing the beatific vision.
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We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from those who knew him. He was always quietly strong, and seeing how far-reaching his impact was has been a blessing.
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I especially want to thank the Redmen.com / Red.Fans community for their incredible support. My dad cherished the community he built around St. John’s men’s basketball, and hearing your stories about him has been a great comfort.
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“Think well. Speak well. Do well. These three things, through the mercy of God, will make a man go to Heaven.” - St. Camillus
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That quote encapsulates Paul Massell.
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Rest in peace, Paul.
 
Thank you Marilyn! I was unable to post, as my message was held for moderation. I am trying a reply now, which may or may not get to you.

Ok, I DID find the post about the family needing help. It is here: Our Paul and his family require our help ( please read below )
It's worth reading the thread, but the important part is this:

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Everyone knows how sick Paul has been with such a horrible disease. His wife texted me yesterday morning and instead of paraphrasing the horrible stuff they are going through she said I could put her text up word for word. This is the type of nightmare you hear on the news sometimes

Whatever anyone can do to help them please donate whatever you can. Paul has been there for us the last 25+ years and I have no doubt if one of us was in the same situation him and his awesome family would be there for any of us. Best way to donate money is the donate button on this site.

I pray none of us are ever in this situation and everyone bands together to help them
Hi Mike,
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I am reaching out cause we could really use sane help. Paul with the Grace of God is still fighting this disease. He had to be hospitalized on Tuesday because of fluid build up, they took six bottles of 1000 ml each of fluid from one side only. This was causing tremendous pressure and pain. They may do the other side this stay or we may come back next week. We are hoping they will put in a drain that can be managed by a visiting nurse. Paul’s courage and faith inspire us and we are doing everything possible to take care of him. Max moved back home to help take care of him. I work full time and take care of him @ night. My job not only provides our income but is the sourse of our health insurance. Our kids help as much as they can but everything is so expensive and they have their own responsibilities. I have taken out a second mortgage and maxed out my credit cards. I am reaching out for help from the Redmen community. I know that times are tough financially for many of us .
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Kay Massell
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Paul lived the quote “Think well. Speak well. Do well. These three things, through the mercy of God, will make a man go to Heaven.” - St. Camillus. My heart is breaking; we have lost a truly beautiful person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
 
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