Paul Michael Lowell

Paul Michael Lowell, 77, of Arlington, VA passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 19th, 2023. Paul was born on February 22nd, 1946 in Boston, Massachusetts to Paul Melville Lowell and Agnes Frances (Crowley) Lowell.

The oldest of four children, Paul grew up in a close-knit community in Dorchester, Massachusetts. As a child Paul enjoyed playing ice hockey with the neighborhood kids, baseball at his primary school St. Brendan’s, going to the corner store and buying candy (or “cornah” store if said with his Boston accent), and being with his family. As the oldest child, Paul always felt a sense of responsibility to his family, and that same sentiment stayed with him throughout his entire life. Paul is a graduate of Catholic Memorial High school, Northeastern University (Undergraduate), and George Washington University (Masters). While at Northeastern University he found time to row crew despite never having done the sport prior to going to NEU. He spent many early winter mornings rowing and breaking the ice on the frozen Charles River.

Paul has held many jobs over years from helping his dad hang wallpaper, to working nights at Filene’s Department Store, and working for the Boston Edison Company during college. In 1968 straight out of college he was recruited by the Department of the Navy to work as a civilian. This made him move to the Washington DC area. This led to a very long and successful civil service career that spanned over 30 years. He held many leadership and upper management positions. He rose to become the Director of Naval Intelligence – the first civilian in the history of the agency to hold that position. After retiring from the Federal Government, he didn’t stop working and went to work for the Institute for Defense Analysis where he shared his vast knowledge and skills with the next generation. Even though he had great success, awards, and accolades from colleagues he always remained humble.

While working at the Pentagon he met his future wife, Tamela. He fell in love with her and her son, Jeff. They were married September 29, 1979. In 1984, Paul and Tamela added to their family and adopted their daughter Katherine from South Korea. Despite his busy work schedule, Paul was very involved in his children’s childhood activities. Whether that be coaching soccer, participating in Boy Scouts, chaperoning school field trips, or just taking family vacations. After the death of Tamela, he became the rock of the family, and a great source of strength and advice.

Paul is predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 22 years, Tamela Jean (Bailey) Lowell, and his parents, Paul Melville and Agnes Frances Lowell. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey and his wife Megan, and Katherine and her husband Michael. Paul has 5 grandchildren, Quinn and Isabel Mitchell, and Mei Lin, Paul, and Amy Wong. He is also survived by his three siblings, William, Janet, and Steven. As well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26th from 4-7 PM at Murphy Funeral Home, located at 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, November 27th at 11am at St. Charles Catholic Church located at 3304 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 with burial to immediately follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, also in Arlington.