Paul Risher
Paul David Risher, 86, passed away on December 26, 2021 of COVID-19. Paul was born in Huntington, West Virginia on October 21, 1935 to Paul and Katherine (Estep) Risher. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Duke University and graduated in 1957.
His career path took him to many companies including McKinsey & Co. and cities including Dallas where he met the love of his life, Patricia Munro Risher. Their first date was at a Dallas Cowboys game in 1962, which led to their marriage in New York City in 1965. They settled in Stamford, CT where they raised their family and lived until she died in 2014.
Early in their marriage he discovered sailing and thus began his lifelong passion. He said buying a boat “changed his life” and over the years, all of his loved ones spent time on the water with him. He raced his Ensign on Long Island Sound and served as the navigator on Wenden in various races including the Bermuda Race. In addition to spending time on his boat, Country Road, he loved cheering for the Duke Blue Devils, the Boston Red Sox, and all of his grandchildrens’ sports teams.
Through the years, he spent time giving back to organizations that he cared about. He was a member of the New York Yacht Club and the Antigua Yacht Club. He served as the President of the Duke University Alumni Association, Commodore of the Ensign Class, Commodore of the Greenwich Cove Racing Association and he cherished his time as Commodore of Indian Harbor Yacht Club (2013-2014).
His greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his daughters Nancy Ward (Bill) of Wilton, CT and Cameron of Lincoln, NE and grandchildren Mackenzie, Jackson, and Parker Ward.
Friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, Friday, January 7, 2022 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, 1101 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT. He will be buried in a private ceremony in Long Ridge Union Cemetery.
The family respectfully asks that attendees be vaccinated and wear masks. Guests will be asked to sit in a socially distant manner.
A live video stream will be available at the link below. It will appear as a scheduled service. https://events.locallive.tv/worship/fishchurch
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Mystic Seaport Museum – Community Sailing Program. Checks should be payable to Mystic Seaport Museum and mailed to Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355. Please put “IMO Paul Risher” in the memo line.
You may also give on-line at https://checkout.mysticseaport.org/all/donate Please write Paul Risher in the “tribute box”.