Nicholas Ignatius Paul's Obituary
Nicholas Paul “Chief,” a native of Washington DC and resident of Annapolis, MD, died on
January 14, 2023, at the age of 82. His last days were spent with family and friends by his side
which is what made him happiest every day of his life.
Born June 20, 1940 to James and Sophia Paul, Nick grew up in Washington DC and attended
Woodrow Wilson High School and the University of South Carolina. Upon his father’s death,
Nick and his brother Dennis devoted their lives to Paul's Wholesale Florist Company
established by their father in 1937. As an industry enthusiast, Nick served as a past director of
The Allied Florist Association of Greater Washington and was a member of the Wholesale
Florist and Florist Suppliers of America and the Society of American Florists.
Nick’s love of the water and keen interest in fishing brought him and his wife, June, to
Annapolis in 1987. Many good times were shared with family and friends aboard his 1977 Bay
built Robbins, Pal O Mine. He was a lifetime member of the DC Ramblers Motorcycle Club, and
he was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of St. John’s Lodge No. 11, in Washington DC.
Nick is survived by by his loving wife of 39 years, June, daughters Mary Elizabeth Duke
(Andrew) and Catharine Geasling, grandchildren Ann Duke and James Duke, brother Dennis
Paul (Georgianna), sister-in-law Ann Schneider (John), and nieces and nephews: Denise,
Georgianna Schuetz (Bryan), Nik Apostolides (Melissa), Dennis Paul, Jr. (Coralie), William Gonzales
and by other family members whom he loved mightily. Nick was preceded in death by his
beloved nephew James D. Paul, II (Christiana). And he’s missed very much by his loyal canines
Skippy and Ajax.
Funeral arrangements are private. In remembrance of Nick, please consider a donation to the American Floral Endowment, www.endowment.org/donate, where a memorial tribute has been established in his name, to Shriner’s Hospital for Children at www.lovetotherescue.org, or to Fish for a Cure at
www.fishforacure.org.
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