In Memoriam: Paul Francis O’Toole 1952-2021

He was the owner and President of Butterworth & O’Toole Insurance Adjusters

SALEM – Paul Francis O’Toole, 69, of Salem, MA, passed away on Saturday morning, December 11th at Salem Hospital, after a courageous battle with health complications.

Paul was the wonderful husband of Margaret “Peggie” O’Toole for 42 years, amazing father to Meredith, Peter, and Kevin O’Toole, beloved father-in-law to Tanner Cain and Elise O’Toole, and adored Grampy to granddaughter Olivia O’Toole.

Born and raised in Medford, MA, he was the eldest son of the late Francis X. O’Toole, and Catherine T. “Kay” O’Toole.

He is survived by his brothers, Mark O’Toole and wife Anne of Wilmington, Neil O’Toole of Florida, Francis O’Toole and wife Lisa of Medford, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Growing up in Medford, Paul, known as “Oats”, enjoyed yearly trips to York Beach and hanging out at Morrison Park with his family and friends, all while delivering over 100 papers every morning before school on his paper route that “went uphill both ways.” As a student at Medford High School, he was a three-sport Varsity athlete, playing Soccer, Lacrosse, and Hockey. On the ice, he was part of a defensive pairing known amongst the fans as “The Iron Curtain.” He spent his summers working alongside his father and brothers at the Local 6 Pipe Covering Union.

He went on to be the first of his family to attend college, working his way through while bartending as a member of the Malden chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, aka “The Hibos.” He graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in 1975. His first job out of school was as the Outreach Director at the Malden YMCA, which influenced his lifelong dedication to civic responsibility.

Paul met Peggie at a mutual friend’s wedding in 1978, and after a whirlwind long-distance romance, married and moved to Connecticut in 1979. In 1981, they moved to Salem, where Paul has been a pillar of the community ever since. He was a member of the Salem Rotary, coached Little League baseball and later ran the Babe Ruth program, played basketball at the YMCA, and was a generous benefactor to the Boys & Girls Club.

Paul was the proud owner and President of Butterworth & O’Toole Insurance Adjusters for 36 years. A leader in the insurance community, Paul was respected and loved by his peers and business associates alike. His employees described him as “the most selfless and utmost respected boss and friend.” He was also an esteemed member of the NAIIA, The National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters. 

An avid consumer of all things news, he could often be found sitting in his leather recliner, reading multiple newspapers front to back (his favorite being the Wall Street Journal), while simultaneously listening to it on the television. He may have single-handedly been keeping print media afloat. In his later years, Paul loved walking along Swampscott Beach in the mornings, playing golf and cards as a member of Kernwood Country Club, and spending time with his granddaughter Olivia.

Paul’s greatest happiness was providing for and supporting his family. He was a caring son to his parents, wise older brother to his siblings, devoted husband to his wife, and dedicated father to his children. As they were growing up, Paul loved nothing more than watching his children compete in their various sports, perform in their dance recitals and plays, and in recent years, asking them how things were going with work. Together with Peggie, Paul was the proud host of countless celebrations at their Salem home, always surrounded by loving friends and family. He’ll always be known to the neighborhood kids as the gatekeeper to the basement; to his friends and family, the most decent man they ever knew; to his wife, the best man she ever met; and to his children, the world’s most incredible dad.