ROCKLAND — Paul Richard Vansant passed away peacefully on June 3, 2016, in Rockport, Maine, following a long illness. He was 86.

Paul was born Nov. 28, 1929, in Orange, N.J., to Kathryn Tuthill Vansant and Frederick T. Vansant. His childhood was spent mostly in Summit, N.J., while summering at a family farm in Waymart, Pa., where he eventually retired. In 2007, he and his second wife, Marian, moved to Rockland, Maine, where they spent their final years.

As a child, Paul's parents nurtured his lifelong passion and gift for music. He learned to play the guitar, bass, piano and saxophone. Beginning in his teens and lasting into his late 70s, Paul enjoyed all musical genres, but was particularly drawn to the big-band music of the 1940s.

Paul arranged music and played in both bands and orchestras for social dances, church functions, weddings, theater productions and nursing homes. At the request of loved ones, he also shared his musical talents at family parties and other celebrations. Bedtime stories for his children and grandchildren were often accompanied by music.

In addition to music, Paul enjoyed nature and often spent his free time hiking and fishing. He also took pride tending to his family's small apple orchard in Waymart.

Paul graduated from Summit High School in Summit, N.J., in 1947 and attended Colgate University, where he lettered in track and field and graduated in 1951 with a degree in French. He immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and attained the rank of staff sergeant by the time he was discharged in 1955. From there, he began his career as an insurance adjuster, working at agencies in Buffalo, N.Y., Chicago, Ill., Boston, Mass., Trenton, N.J., and Philadelphia, Pa.

Paul is survived by his brother, Keith F. Vansant; his children, Susanne J. Vansant Feeks and her husband, Joseph Feeks, Robert P. Vansant and his wife, Laura, Charles F. Vansant and his wife, Kavita, and James A. Vansant and his wife, Ting. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marjorie Smith (divorced); and his youngest son, John J. Vansant.

Paul married Marian A. Vansant on April 30, 1977, in Summit, N.J. They were blessed with 32 years of marriage before her passing in February 2010. Paul is also survived by his stepchildren, Laura Sneath D'Ambrosio and her partner, Cindy D'Ambrosio, Donald Sneath, and Stuart Sneath and his wife, Susan.

In addition, Paul is survived by four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Keeping with Paul's final request, the family said there will be no calling hours or public memorial service.

In remembrance of Paul, the family asks that donations be sent to Sussman House Hospice, c/o PenBay Healthcare Foundation, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME, 04841.