Paul A. Bright, Jr.
Paul A. Bright Jr. loved life and lived it with enthusiasm, joy, and an open heart that warmly encompassed everyone he loved and who loved him.
He loved the Boston Bruins, Aerosmith, cooking, his two cats, and, most of all, his cherished daughters, granddaughter, family, and loyal friends.
A Revere resident for most of his life, Paul passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 26. He was 62.
Paul is survived by four daughters, Amanda, Dayna, Diandra, and Danae Bright, all of Revere; a granddaughter, Julianna; three siblings, Kathleen Bright-Procopio and her husband David of Saugus, Revere Fire Chief Christopher Bright and his wife Mary Ellen of Wakefield, and Amy Ciccone and her husband Eric of Marblehead. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins and his aunt and uncle, Marilyn (Toomey) and Raymond Longden, of Fairfield, Conn. He was the former husband of Diana(DeSimone) Bright of Revere.
Born in Revere to the late Paul Sr. and Katherine (Toomey) Bright, Paul attended the Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Revere High School, where he skated for the school’s strong hockey teams and was chosen as a team captain in 1975. He would remain an ardent sports fan throughout his life, especially of the Bruins and Patriots.
He enjoyed the company of a group of loyal friends who often gathered behind the old Revere Cinema on Broadway, and, in reference to the place where they hung out, called themselves the Show Yard Kickers. Once, as youths, they painted a mural on a wall in tribute to the rock band Aerosmith, and Paul would remain a passionate fan of their music throughout his life.
He was employed for many years in the culinary industry, working as a chef for Marriott Hotels and prominent corporate and event catering companies. Throughout his life, Paul enjoyed cooking and good food, and at one point contributed a recipe column to The Revere Journal.
Later in his life Paul worked as a 911 call-taker for the city of Revere and later for the city of Chelsea. After several years he was promoted to deputy director of the Chelsea 911 department. He retired several years ago.
Paul lived in Chelsea briefly and moved to Boston two years ago. In his retirement, in addition to his close bonds with his daughters and granddaughter, dear friends and family, he also cherished the companionship of his two beloved cats, J.J. and Mittens, whom he had rescued separately.
Throughout his life, Paul was a joyous and warm presence whenever he was around family and his many friends, always quick with a smile, a laugh, or a humorous remark. He had the gift of making people feel good when they were around him.
Funeral arrangements, under the direction of Vertuccio and Smith Home for Funerals in Revere, are private because of restrictions caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Remembrances in Paul Bright Jr.’s name may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler St., Boston MA 02116.
Dearest Bright Family, we want to send our sincere condolences on the passing of Paul. Our families go way back and are connected in many ways, too many to list. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. May Paul Rest In Peace with your wonderful parents, grandparents, and uncles. Thinking of you, Marian
To my Paul, my best friend, a friendship that was one of a kind… so many memories of my second home on Reservoir Ave with all the Bright’s, Kay, Paul Sr who we drove crazy, Kathy, Chris, Amy.. love you all……..
Billy O
I am so sorry to hear about his passing. Paul, and many many friends spent many nights as the show yard gang
May he RIP.
My condolences to the Bright Family, great memories working with Paul at Wonderland and Foxboro Park back in the 90’s may he rest in peace.
To Kathy, Chris, Amy, and family,
So deeply sorry for your loss. Simply a wonderful man with a great sense of humor who was a pleasure to be around. Loved the stories of him and Rick C. and their catering gigs and enjoyed working with him at the Fire Station (the best 911 call taker we ever had). Again, our sympathy and our prayers go out to all. Love, light, peace, and stay safe.
My condolences to the Bright family. Some of my earliest memories are of playing the sport of the season on Reservoir Ave with Paul and the rest of the kids in that neighborhood. He will be missed.
Bob Cronin
To Kathy,Chris and Amy, so sorry to hear about Paul! He was a wonderful guy and everyone liked him! Jack and my family have happy memories of Paul. I can remember when Kathy,Barbara,Paul and I grew up together. Many happy times! Amy,Chris and Margie were the little ones. He grew into such a wonderful man. So sad he’s gone! You all are in our thoughts and prayers! Cousins Patty,Jack and family.