Paul W. FERNALD, 84, passed away at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford on July 8th after a short illness surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Janice (Silva) Fernald. Mr. and Mrs. Fernald recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.

Paul was born on March 16, 1941 in Lynn, MA, and graduated from Lynn English High School before entering the U.S.Navy. Following an honorable discharge, Paul entered Lowell St. College (now UMass-Lowell) where he received a bachelor's degree in music education. He later attended Boston University where he studied the organ.

Paul began his teaching career in the public schools on Otis Air Force base in Bourne, MA. After several years in Bourne, he was hired in New Bedford as a music supervisor, and he made his home in New Bedford ever since.

For over 25 years Paul was the organist at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in New Bedford until his retirement. He had a great love of all forms of music and it gave him joy to use his talents to enrich the lives of others.

For many years, Paul was an active member of the New Bedford branch of the NAACP, serving as its treasurer and member of its executive board. Paul was totally devoted to the cause of Civil Rights and it permeated every aspect of his life.

Paul was the son of the late Roy H. Fernald, Jr. and Mable (Staples) Fernald and the brother of the late Douglas Fernald.

Paul is survived by his wife, Janice; his stepson, Richard F. Wareing and his wife Rebecca of Colchester Connecticut; his cousins, Joanne Barrow of Plympton, MA, James Barrow of Carver MA, Joseph Farrell of De Pere, WI, Richard Farrell of Danvers, MA, and Carol Hobson of Florida; his brother-in-law, Bradley P. Silva and his wife Sandra of Assonet, MA; his nephews, Gregory F. Silva of Marion, MA, Jeffrey P. Silva of Westwood, MA, and their mother, Marlene T. Bariteau of Wareham, MA. Paul is also survived by his dearly beloved extended family, Mrs. Maria Grace and her children, who offered comfort and support during Paul's final illness.

His visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 18th from 11 AM - 1 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.