ROCHESTER - Paul Milton Vatcher, 91, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loving family and is now with his Savior in Glory.
Born on January 23, 1935, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Paul was the son of the late George I. Vatcher and Effie Irene (Milton) Vatcher. He was raised in Hampton Falls and spent his life throughout New Hampshire's Seacoast, calling Somersworth, Dover, and Rochester home, while also enjoying many winters in Florida. Wherever life took him, Paul made lasting friendships and meaningful connections.
Paul was a proud and dedicated member (more than 50 years!) of the Dover Elks Lodge #184, where he served as Exalted Ruler and in many other positions. He recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lodge. He was also a long-time member of the Wecohamet Odd Fellow Lodge #3 in Dover. After retirement as a manager at the General Electric plant in Somersworth, NH, Paul spent countless hours umpiring and coaching at the Dover South Little League and managing their fields.
Paul believed in giving back to his community and was always eager to become involved with organizations that allowed him to serve others. One of those was the Dover Jaycees (Junior Chamber International), where he was instrumental in its early years. His interests were many, including classic cars, music, stamp collecting, photography and staying active biking or walking around the community. He loved being with (and spoiling) his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and imparting family history to all of them. One of Paul's greatest joys was the time he spent with his wife, Phyllis, driving down New England and Florida back roads in one of his special cars.
In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia (Yeaton) Vatcher, his infant daughter, Toni Marilyn Vatcher; and his brother, Roy Vatcher.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis Vatcher of Rochester; his children, Jo-Ann Vatcher of Rochester, Toni Melinda Vatcher of Scottsdale, Arizona, Dianne West and her husband, Bob, of Rochester, and bonus children Valerie French of Dover, and Steven Paisley of Dover; his siblings, Carolyn Petit of Hampton Falls, Mark Vatcher and his wife, Claudia, of Newmarket, Elwyn Vatcher and his wife, Rosalee, of Goodland, Kansas, and Jenny Lewis of Florida; his grandchildren, Julia Walsworth (Michael), Jacob West, Samuel West (Hannah), Emily Haley (Anthony), Matthew French (Sara), Jonathan French, Alicyn Hakes (Mickey), and Melanie French (Casey); as well as a host of cherished great-grandchildren (17), extended family members, and friends.
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