It is with shattered, but grateful hearts we share that Paul Richard Hennessey passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Lionel Kelland Hospice in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador. He was surrounded by his family and an abundance of love.

Dad's 87 years were formidable, rich beyond measure with unwavering Christian faith, steadfast dedication to family, deep loyalty to friends, and unmatched contributions to the community he so deeply loved. All of this was underpinned by his passion for music which he enthusiastically shared, inspiring many throughout his life. He leaves us all with an unforgettable legacy.

Born on Junction Road in 1939 to a musical family, Dad was inspired by community involvement at a very early age. He began drumming in his early teens and was part of numerous bands and orchestras over the years, including the Teenage Trio and the Commanders Orchestra. He traveled throughout central and western Newfoundland, playing for dances and filling in as drummer for other groups when asked. Drumming with the Catholic Cadet Corps, Dad's deep respect for the Armed Forces was established. As Sergeant Major, he was a dynamic member of the group and remarkably, twice received the prestigious Lord Strathcona Trust Award for outstanding army cadet. This saw him travel to parts of Canada for army camps, experiences he spoke of fondly throughout his life. It was at this early age his innate leadership skills and attention to detail were fostered. Following over twenty years as a member of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band and as a Past Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Army Cadet League, Dad was awarded the Canadian Decoration and Bar of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Up until his death, he remained a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was presented his 55-year pin in the fall of 2025. He consistently impressed upon those around him the significance of remembering those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians lost in the two Great Wars, even leading in the publication of a book entitled Roll Call that captured the historical context of all those from the community who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Dad's love of music paved the way for many activities over his lifetime. This became foundational to his community work, particularly with respect to the Kiwanis Music Festivals. As Chair of the Central Newfoundland Kiwanis Music Festival for close to a decade through the 1970's, Dad fostered music, encouraged youth in both music and choral speech, and drew outstanding adjudicators from across the country who provided valuable advice to young musicians. His guidance was sought for the establishment of other festivals in the Province and it was under his leadership as Chair of the Newfoundland Festivals Association that a strong lobby was made to the Government of the day to ensure music remained an important element in the school system. His dedication resulted in Kiwanis International bestowing upon him a Life Membership. His love of music never waned, and he played drums for numerous events well into his late seventies, with his final jam session just last year with his nephew.

Music is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of Dad's contributions. After being given his first distinction of Citizen of the Year in 1978, he began his foray into municipal government as Deputy Mayor and Mayor for the former Town of Grand Falls, providing steady leadership and fostering great development. In addition to his daily Mayoral duties, Dad Chaired the Central Newfoundland Exploits Regional Services Board, as well as the Forestry Capital of Canada Designation Committee in 1988 which provided extensive promotion of Central Newfoundland throughout the country. He initiated a Town Band that became a focal point of the community for many events and helped establish the Exploits Valley Salmon Festival, and encouraged the development of Church Road Park which has become a beautiful gathering space. Additionally, Dad was involved in endless committees and organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Notre Dame Council Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parish Council.

In addition to the time devoted to community work, Dad was owner of Hennessey Real Estate for over thirty years. In the early days, it was one of only two real estate companies in town, and while educating himself through correspondence, he facilitated transactions all over central Newfoundland. He was instrumental in laying the groundwork for organized real estate in the area having served as President of the Central Newfoundland Real Estate Board. Not long after his retirement in that late 1990's, Dad was formally recognized by his peers for his contribution to the profession in this Province and was awarded Honourary Life Member of the Newfoundland Real Estate Board. His overall contributions to the business fabric of the community was also officially recognized when he was inducted into the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Business Hall of Fame in 2001.

One of Dad's most favoured projects was as Chair of the Grand Falls-Windsor 2005 Centennial Celebrations. Over four years his dedication was unwavering and his insistence of a first-class celebration was unparalleled, with hundreds of citizens volunteering and participating in numerous cultural events, including a Centennial Choir. A highlight from this time was a full-scale musical of the Town's history, written and directed by life-long friend Ged Blackmore, that drew tourists and former residents alike. He encouraged the participation of the then Lord Rothermere, descendent of the founding fathers of Grand Falls-Windsor and enticed native son and renowned actor Gordon Pinsent to return home for special recognition. Dad was instrumental in facilitating the renaming of the Arts and Culture Centre in Pinsent's honour. The year-long celebration was a resounding success both culturally and economically, drawing upon the talents and participation of many. Dad was awarded his second Citizen of the Year Award in 2005, largely due to his leadership of the Centennial.

It would have been impossible for Dad to contribute to public life without our mother, Elizabeth, who was the backbone of everything he did. For every single one of his public-facing initiatives, Mom was his strategic advisor, proofreader, and organizer. There was no successful Dad without Mom. Having grown up on Junction Road together and married for 60 years, their bond was like no other and their contributions together were exceptional,  including many quiet, private and personal acts of kindness throughout their lives. Our years growing up on Birch Street and Badger Lake were filled with endless fun, and countless celebrations that involved friends, family and neighbours. Our home was a focal point for many reunions and milestones simply because of the warm welcome and love Mom and Dad provided. Their eight grandchildren benefited tremendously from this nurturing environment and were a constant presence in their home.

The depth and breadth of Dad's life was truly remarkable. Reminders of his storied journey and the many people and places he touched are easy to find in a stroll throughout town and will undoubtedly be long remembered. Dad's natural disposition was warm, social and personal and he flourished spending time with people. We happily shared him with many and recognized how important these relationships and interactions were to his energy and enthusiasm. Dad's lifelong contributions, while extraordinary, can never outshine the memory of his character; dignified, classy, and unapologetically passionate about making life happier for all those around him. He remained true to these qualities right up until the moment of his death.

Left with beautiful memories and endless stories are his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth (Ryan), daughters Kim Rideout (Rod), Tracey Hennessey (Chris Gale), and Pauline Hennessey; his eight adored grandchildren; Jacob (Kayla), Katelyn, Liam, Alana, Megan (Liam), Ryan (Kaycie), Aidan, Quinn, and his ray of sunshine, great-granddaughter River. He also leaves behind his brother Leo, sister-in-law Sheila Dwyer and her husband Bill; sisters-in-law Gertrude Ryan, Millie Hennessey, and Judy Hennessey. Dad had unbreakable bonds with his sister and five brothers which permeated through decades to include all his nieces and nephews from Newfoundland, the Maritimes and Ontario, all who mourn his loss deeply.

Dad was predeceased by his cherished mother, Gertrude, father Leo, infant sister Alma, sister Jean Perrin and her husband Larry, brothers Alphonsus and his wife Sheila, Ted and his wife Dolly, Tom, youngest brother Allan, sister-in-law, Mona Hennessey, father-in-law and mentor, Leo Ryan, mother-in-law Anne Ryan, and his brother-in-law David Ryan

Our deepest gratitude is extended to the incomparable staff at Lionel Kelland Hospice, Anne Blackmore and Brenda Connors from the Family Care Team for extraordinary professionalism, compassion and support, and Kelly Buckley, a lifelong friend who travelled from out of country to support us all.

Flowers are gratefully accepted or for those wishing to honour Dad's life in your own way, you may consider support to Lionel Kelland Hospice or Exploits Special Olympics.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 10th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Bayley Street. A funeral mass and Christian burial will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Grand Falls-Windsor on Thursday, June 11th at 11:00 a.m.

For those who wish to view the livestream, please join at Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish - YouTube or the Church Facebook page. The livestream will commence at 10:45 a.m., with a tribute to Dad at 10:50, and the funeral mass beginning at 11:00. Those attending are asked to be seated by 10:45 a.m. Following interment at the Grand Falls-Windsor Interfaith Cemetery, a reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 12 on Queen Street.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 10 Bayley Street, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.