Paul Villeneuve

Paul F. Villeneuve, 83 of Higgins Hill Road in Waterford, VT passed away suddenly on May 1st, 2026, after one last morning turkey hunting. Born the oldest of seven children on October 26, 1942 to Phillip and Mary (Collins) Villeneuve. Paul grew up in St. Johnsbury and graduated from the St. Johnsbury Academy with the class of 1961. During his teenage years Paul stocked shelves at the local market. After graduation Paul attended seminary school with plans of becoming a priest until the draft called him and he was sent to fight in the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Navy. Paul’s fluency in French led to his assignment as a medic for the French speaking doctor.

Paul spent more than 20 years working as a clerk and driver for St.Jay Trucking where he met his wife, Louise Davis. Paul and Louise shared more than 30 years together before her passing in 2002. In the years they spent together they shared joy in the birth of their sons, Michael, Daniel, Matthew and Nicholas, many years of family camping trips, First Night St.Jay celebrations on New Years Eve, annual trips to the Fryeburg fair, the birth of their granddaughter Samantha and countless hours fishing on the ice or by canoe. After Louise’s passing Paul was happy to welcome his only grandson and heir to his branch of the family tree, Noah.

With the closing of St. Jay Trucking Paul became a delivery driver first for Sanel Auto Parts and later for Bond/O’Reilly where he spent the last of his working years.

In his spare time and retirement, he enjoyed hunting, fishing both on the ice and off, golfing, listening to the Monday night bands playing in the park, sitting outside on warm sunny days, and having lunch with friends, especially dessert. Some of his favorites were New Century, Javier Bill’s, Pizza Hut, Eastern and Main and the Milkhouse.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lousie, infant son Nicolas, brother John Villeneuve, sister Joan Soulia and brother in-law Don Soulia.

He is survived by sons Michael of New York, Daniel of Georgia, Matthew of Vermont, and grandchildren Samantha and Noah Villeneuve of Vermont. Also surviving are sisters Rosemary Crane and Rita Libby, brothers Robert and Richard Villeneuve, and sister-in-law Jeanette Villeneuve. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Paul also leaves behind good friend Terrell Scott, former daughter-in-law, mother of his grandchildren Lora Johnson Safford and her husband Shane and their children Ethan and Sherry Pearl.

Friends may call on the family May 6, 2026, 5-7pm, at Sayles Funeral Home in St. Johnsbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 7, 2026, 10am, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in St. Johnsbury by Rev. Fr. Lance W. Harlow. Burial will take place on May 8, 2026, 9am, at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Paul's name can be made to the Good Living Senior Center.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saylesfh.com