Dr. Paul F. Maloney ... longtime Dover dentist; at 82

DOVER - Dr. Paul F. Maloney died peacefully on Nov. 6, 2023. His 82 years on this earth were a testament to a life well lived.

Born on Aug. 13, 1941, Paul grew up in Dover, one of Larry and Stasia Maloney's three boys (and the self described cutest). His childhood was full of love, faith, family and Stasia's incomparable baked goods. The Maloney family spent many happy hours at their camp on Great East Lake.

As a junior at Dover High School, he noticed the adorable Margie Cook, with her curly ponytail and plaid skirts. And so began a 66 year love affair which served as the cornerstone of a family that would eventually include three children and six grandchildren. Margie was the love of his life.

Paul and Margie married in 1964 and headed to West Virginia where Paul attended dental school. After a short stint in the Air Force, they returned to Dover and Paul opened his dental practice. He was an extraordinary dentist and beloved by his patients, who knew that he genuinely cared about their well being. With Margie at his side, he practiced for 44 years.

Paul and Margie were engaged, loving and supportive parents whose devotion to their children was unwavering. Life in the Maloney household was wonderful, although devoid of sugar. All three Maloney kids lived in fear of developing a cavity.

When the nest was finally empty, Paul and Margie built their dream home in Alton. With sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Maloney Mountain was a refuge for their children and grandchildren. Everyone loved being out on the boat, swimming at the beach, or sipping cocktails on the deck while watching a magnificent sunset.

Paul lived life to the fullest and always made time for fun. He was an avid Boston sports fan, tennis player, voracious reader, golfer, windsurfer, bird watcher, photographer, motorcycle enthusiast, paddle boarder and skier. And he loved his toys - there was always a fancy convertible and motorcycle parked in Paul and Margie's garage.

Paul's middle name was Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi. Like St. Francis, he loved wildlife and animals. Over the years, the Maloneys had multiple dogs, toulouse geese, carrier pigeons, bunnies and a cat. Many years ago, Paul rescued a saw-whet owl, who lived with the family for almost a year.

Paul brought joy and sense of humor to everyday life. He once rode an iceberg down the Piscataqua River sitting on a lawn chair. Easter in the Maloney house always concluded in an unconventional manner. Paul would pull out his BB gun and shoot colored eggs off the rails of his deck. And he and a colleague exchanged the same bottle of horrible cologne every year for almost 40 years.

Words cannot describe how deeply Paul will be missed by his family and life long friends. He is survived by his wife Margery, daughter Kathleen (Tracy) Sykes, son Kevin (Joan) Maloney and daughter Beth (Ryan Cardoos) Maloney; six grandchildren: Meredith and Michaela Maloney, Ben and Alex Cardoos and Abbey and Emily Sykes; and his beloved dog Mollie.

Paul was very proud of his Irish heritage, so we will close with a blessing:

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face.

May the rains fall upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.