Paul W. Pockett

Goshen, NH: Paul Pockett passed away on February 24, 2026.

Paul was one of six children of Charles F. and Vieno A. (Leeman) Pockett, born on August 16, 1955 in Newport, NH.

As a teen, Paul was involved in acting in high school plays and set design/building. He was a tenor in Boys State and a member of the local church choir. He received a DAR award for proficiency in US History. He was a cross country runner in high school.

Paul was a decorated US Army veteran. He graduated with honors from the Monterey Language Institute in CA as a linguist specializing in the Russian and German languages. He served as a voice intercept operator in Berlin, Germany with advanced security clearance. He served in the Army Reserves for many years.

In 1979, he married Wanda Wright; they celebrated 46 years of marriage, welcoming three daughters. He had a strong sense of family and pride in their accomplishments.

Once a civilian, he worked many occupations including police officer for Newport, NH. He was sought out for his knowledge in the area of automotive repair, wiring, and AC, having grown up in the family business C & R Service Center in Newport, NH. He became ASE certified in all areas except one, long before mechanics were certified in this area. He was a proprietor for AutoMasters in Newport, NH, after being employed by many local garages.

He worked in the hotel hospitality field at Best Western, retail and rental management, and most recently as a retail manager with his last management position at Walgreens. Ever the diplomat, working with customers he worked under the mantra of "you can either dazzle them with your brilliance or baffle with them with your BS." He will be remembered for his quick wit and his one liners.

He volunteered for many years as a youth group leader for South Congregational Church in Newport, NH. He attended Bangor Theological School. This role included chaperoning the canoe trips in LaVerendrye, Canada.

Paul's greatest accomplishment was his family. Although not one to show sentiment, he was the proudest of his three daughters. He taught them to become self-sufficient, confident, intelligent and honest adults. When he became Grumpa or Grampa Goshen, he set the bar high, but spoiling them just because he could! Although outwardly he could be quite reserved and an introvert, he had a kind heart and a giving spirit.

He enjoyed camping, canoeing and a self proclaimed pyromaniac with a campfire at the end of the day. He was a gardener after work and was extremely proud of our log home he built with family, that became his sanctuary. He also really enjoyed having conversations about politics, current and world events. Leading into retirement, he spent a lot of time researching various topics. He continued to learn and study, making him extremely well versed.

Paul's surviving family include his wife, Wanda Pockett, his daughters Kristie Lucas (husband John Audet), Karrie Lovejoy, and Jessica Howe; siblings Richard Pockett (wife Sheryl), David Pockett, Marie Couitt (husband Michael), Susan Brown, and Montana Leeman; his grandchildren Paige Cusanelli, Wyatt Cusanelli, Augustus Lucas, Payton Lucas, Nathan Farrington, Dakota Welch, Erik Lovejoy, Piper Howe, Gabriel Howe, Carter Audet, Oliver Audet, and Avery Audet. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Marilyn Thorson (husband William), his brother-in-law Gary Wright, Sr., his nieces and nephews: Faren Thorson, Houston Thorson, Raina Thorson, Brenda Wright, Ammie Chartier, Cassie Wright, Darcey Heiser, Gary Wright, Jr., and many more.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a local animal shelter of one's choice.

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