Obituary of Roy Paulsen

Roy and I were good buddies since the 90s, but I knew of him, related to a neighborhood roller hockey league, since the early 60s. Besides just palling around and socializing together, he was also a great companion for concerts, playing softball, and skiing. For several years, about ten or so years ago, we totally enjoyed complementing, critiquing, and giving pointers while skiing on the slopes. Roy also was pivotal in making sure NYLife retained me as a consultant for 10 years – the first three of which I worked on projects in the group he headed — and he always had your back. I’ll miss him and his great big smile a lot.

Knowing Roy over the past years and partying with him at our Mineola High School reunions class if 64-his wife’s class, was a great treat. He was fun to be with and he told great stories. His presence will be missed. Rest in peace, Roy

Roy and I met at NYLife fifty years ago - I learned he had been recruited as a candidate for the selective NYLife Cadet Program - he worked during the day and attended college night classes. And, of course, got his hockey playing time in. Roy was a straight shooter and straight to the point -he'd tell you if he liked your tie or your suit and then want to know where you bought it!!! Over time - I learned he had a newspaper route as a kid, used the money to buy his first set of hockey equipment, and played all thru his high school years. Roy was far better than I imagined - When I visited him at his apartment in 1987 - that's when I saw the mid '70's photo of Roy playing in goal at MSG for the FDNY!!! - He was also on the ice at the Garden another time with his dear wife Eileen for recognition of 50 Years as a Season Ticketholder - Another side of Roy we all know of was his loyalty to friends - when things didn't go well in the competitive work environment for one of his pals and they needed help - Roy was the one who was known to get on the phone and make things happen - getting a friend in need transferred over to another, more favorable work team. Roy's was a great communicator and he'd make you laugh- he remembered the last conversation you had and had his own short hand language with you - using nicknames, catch phrases and his own acronyms: AMF - Adios My Friend and TNS Thursday Night Softball ( in which he was actively managing or engaged for at least 30 years) and many, many more. Roy loved the Norwegian Day Parade in Bay Ridge - and was proud of the time he spoke Mayor Ed Koch there - And he loved his Mets - Roy has engaged with many pro sports, business and political figures so competently and so easily - He was a Lesson in Life - Rest in peace Royland