TENANTS HARBOR — Paul W. Anderson, Sr., 91, died peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. Ericka was with him, honoring his wish to be surrounded by love in his last hours.

Born in St. George on October 21, 1934, he was the son of William and Vera Simmons Anderson. Educated locally, he was a graduate of St. George High School.

Following graduation, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving honorably for four years as a Military Police Officer. His friends often joked that he would have made a fine career MP, if only he'd had an easier time following the rules.

After his discharge, Paul embarked on his first career as captain of several yachts based out of Miami, Florida. There he also began a family and welcomed six children into the world.

Returning to his beloved Maine in the mid-1980s, Paul married Karen Duff in 1987 at the Ridge Church. Together they worked hard, spent time with friends and family, attended Alcoholics Anonymous and built a happy life together. Eventually they began wintering in Sarasota, Florida, where Paul played shuffleboard, and ran a Rent-a-Husband business, doing odd jobs for his neighbors.

Paul's second career showcased his creative talents as the owner and operator of Paul W. Anderson Painting. Recognized for his skilled craftsmanship and the iconic red work van bearing the license plate "IPAINT2," he completed projects throughout the Mid-Coast region and beyond. A gifted woodworker as well, Paul took great pride in restoring antiques and crafting new pieces, such as furniture, shelves, decoys, and thoughtful gifts for the people he loved. He was happiest puttering in his shop or outside keeping busy around the house.

Family game times were a cherished tradition. Paul delighted in cribbage tournaments with his granddaughter, spirited rounds of Mexican Train dominoes, and backgammon battles with Karen and Cookie, on the deck.

An exceptional athlete from his youth into adulthood, Paul excelled at baseball throughout his life. He gave back to the sport he loved by coaching Little League and later playing in the St. George Old Timers League.

Paul was especially grateful to Ericka and Charlotte who cared for him in his final weeks with extraordinary compassion, giving him comfort, dignity and love.

Predeceased by a daughter, Lisa Jo Colorusso; and a sister, Susan Powell; Paul will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 39 years, Karen Anderson of St. George; his children Theresa Davis, Roberta Lococo, Diana Anderson, Paul W. Anderson, Jr. and Teel Foster; his grandchildren, Shannon, Samantha, Rihannon, Jenna, Austin, Paul ‘Trey’ Anderson, III, Hanna, Abigail, Kaycee, Zabadiah, Colby, Lanora, Joannie, Tate, Danny and Lincoln; his step-children, Tiffany Strong, Tamara Strong and Ericka Theriault; his grandchildren, Michael, Charlotte, Macy, Drew, Reid and Natalie; his siblings William Anderson, Bertie Powell, Barry Anderson and Roxane Dietrich; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Cookie.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held Monday, June 22, 2026, at 1 p.m., at The First Baptist Church of St. George, Wiley’s Corner, 15 Snows Point Road, St. George. 

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with the Anderson family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.