Paul Rake ’78

Paul died in Oct. 12, 2012, in New Milford, Conn., after undergoing treatment for a heart ailment.

He studied psychology, engineering, and physics at Princeton and after graduation worked as a mechanical engineer. The last years of his life were spent on the streets of New Milford with his bike, his pipe, and his sleeping bag.

St. John’s Episcopal Church was a frequent home base. Paul became the church’s unofficial watchman, reporting any suspicious activity and alerting the staff when the building needed repairs. He often played classical music on the church piano. To those who interacted with him, the tall, sandy-haired figure was known as the “Gentle Giant,” a man of curiosity and keen intelligence. He fiercely guarded his privacy and independence, living life on his own terms and earning the respect of others for it.

Paul’s ashes rest in St. John’s quiet memorial garden, where he often slept. In tribute to his memory the church set up Tall Paul’s Closet, a room where warm winter coats and clothing are available to members of the nearby homeless community. May he rest in peace. The class extends its sympathy to surviving family members.