Paul Robert Van Sickle, 82, of Sandisfield died at home on Monday, Oct. 25, following a year-long illness. Born in Durand, Illinois on November 23, 1938 to John R. and Kathryn B. Van Sickle, Paul graduated from Rockford’s West High before heading east to study music at Harvard College and Boston University. While teaching was his lifelong vocation, Paul went on to become an accomplished pianist, organist, and vocalist after serving for two years in the Army Reserve Corps Band as a percussionist.
Paul met his future wife, Susan Lawrence, at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Middlebury, Connecticut while serving as organist and choir director; they were married there on August 10, 1968.
Following a decade teaching music at The Taft School (CT) and Shipley School (PA), Paul arrived at Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield to interview for a music position that had just been filled; that he went on to teach mathematics and computer science there, until his retirement in 2010, is testament to his willingness to jump in and lend a helping hand, no matter the circumstances. He gave of his time and talents in the classroom and on the playing fields, and remained active in the campus community through his many friends and colleagues. He was proud to be the father of two graduates and the grandfather of a current student.
Paul cultivated many passions throughout his life. He was an inaugural member of the Cantilena Chamber Choir, an a capella ensemble where he sang bass for close to 15 seasons. Upon retirement, Paul moved full-time to Sandisfield, a locale he discovered through his friend and mentor from Harvard, John Ferris. Paul filled his days with hobbies: he was an avid vegetable gardener, an accomplished woodworker, a voracious reader, a seasoned fisherman, and a staunch Red Sox fan. He took his role as grandfather seriously, and offered advice on myriad topics from how to properly harvest a carrot to the best opening moves on any given role in backgammon.
Paul especially enjoyed his time as an active volunteer at Gould Farm in Monterey where he worked on the Forestry & Grounds team, under the leadership of his good friend Bob Rausch; when he was no longer able to work in the woods, Paul was appointed Board Member and served on various committees dedicated to bringing The Reverend Hampton C. Price Community Center to fruition. He was a member of Trinity Church in Lenox.
Paul is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan Van Sickle, and three children: Amy Ober of Kent, Conn. (Rob); Hannah Van Sickle of Sandisfield; and Andrew Van Sickle of Burlington, Vt. (Danica); his brother John B. Van Sickle; and four grandchildren: Kathryn Barrett, Alice Barrett, Robby Ober, and Lucy Ober. He was predeceased by his parents and a granddaughter, Cora Barrett. Paul enjoyed the companionship of his many caregivers over the past year, including Izzy Fearn, Sarah Harasyko, Laurie Jones and Juana Martinez.
Services: In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Gould Farm, P.O. Box 157, 100 Gould Rd., Monterey, MA 01245. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Trinity Church in Lenox.
