St. Johnsville - Paul Clifford Flanders, age 79, a longtime resident of Kennedy Road, St. Johnsville, New York, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2017 at St. Johnsville Nursing Home surrounded by family. Paul was born February 3, 1938 to the late Irene and George Flanders of St. Johnsville, NY. He graduated from St. Johnsville High School in 1957. Paul met the love of his life, Georgette Toni Primer (Buzzy), at a high school basketball game between Fort Plain and St. Johnsville, and they married on March 21, 1959.

Paul was dedicated to public education and served over 25 years as a high school teacher, starting at West Canada Valley and ending at Dolgeville Central School, with occasional stints as an adjunct professor at two local community colleges, HCCC and MVCC.  He wrapped up the final years of his professional career in high school administration at Dolgeville Central School, where he was instrumental in leading the design and roll-out of a regional long-distance learning program through Herkimer County BOCES.

Paul was a man that danced to a musical symphony all his own. His honesty, integrity and ability to stand his own ground made him unique. Paul enjoyed spending time with friends and family, but he could also be found happily reading a book, digging in the vegetable garden, tying flies for trout fishing, listening to classical music or working in his shop building furniture or clocks for the family.

He loved nature, and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bicycling, canoeing, sailing, kayaking and hiking, along with hunting and fly fishing. He was passionate about history, photography, woodworking, and giving back to the community.

In his free time, Paul actively served as a board member for the St. Johnsville Library, Town of St. Johnsville Planning Board and Ft. Klock Historical Society.

Paul is predeceased by his wife Georgette Flanders and his sister, Janet Brown. Survivors include his brother, Walter Flanders and wife Betty Flanders of Gainesville, FL, and four daughters: Kim Cheryl Geesler and husband John Geesler of St. Johnsville, NY, Kelly Ann Flanders of St. Johnsville, NY, Karen Elise Kilbride of Portland, ME and Crystal Flanders-Moore and husband William Moore of Wilmington, NC.

Everyone’s life is a story. Sharing our stories and experiences about memorable or impactful experiences we shared with Paul over the last 79 years honors and respects his life here. When you think about Paul, what are the prominent stories that come to mind?

Join us and bring a story or two to share about Paul and how he touched your life.  A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at the St. Johnsville Masonic Lodge at 24 Bridge Street in St. Johnsville, NY on Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 2-4 PM.  

Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY 518-568-7040.

 Service Information