Paul Phinney III

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; a son Paul B. Phinney IV and his wife Stella Xu of Forest Hills, NY; a daughter Kathleen Phinney and her husband Ken Goon of North Quincy, MA; three grandchildren Warren Phinney, McKenna Goon & Kinsley Goon; a brother Eric Phinney and his wife Catherine of Waterbury, CT; a sister Caryl Mason-Carr & her husband Steven of Palmetto, FL; a brother-in-law Everett Thomas & his wife Kathleen of Hammond, NY: nieces Wendy Miller & her husband Scott, Pamela Abate & her husband John; nephews James Thomas & his wife Kimberly, Mathew Thomas & his wife Peggy, and Peter Lawler & his wife Luisa; and cousins Christopher Brouwer, David Brouwer, William Bull and Thomas Bull.

Paul was born on August 19, 1946 in Champagne-Urbana Illinois, a son of the late Paul B. Phinney Jr. & Nancy Bull Phinney. He graduated high school and continued his education at the University of Connecticut earning a Bachelor’s degree. He then entered the United States Air Force in 1969 serving as a Captain and Navigator on a KC 135 Stratotanker until he was honorably discharged in 1973. Paul then returned to college at Cornell Law School where he obtained his law degree in 1976.

During his career he worked for a private law firm prior to becoming a Judge for the Orangetown Justice Court. He later opened a private practice law firm, Paul B. Phinney III Esq in Pearl River, NY where he practiced for many years, before moving his office to Blauvelt, NY. He retired in 2012.

Paul enjoyed reading, fishing, military history and spending time with his family. He was especially proud of his military service, and was an active member of three veterans’ organizations: The VFW, The American Legion, and The Vietnam Veterans of America #333. Paul also enjoyed being a member of the Lions, and Orangetown Fire Company No. 1. Memorial contributions can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, or the Red Cross. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.