Community Raising Funds for Funeral of Popular Westfield Crossing Guard Paul Devereaux

WESTFIELD, NJ — A GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for the funeral expenses of beloved Westfield school crossing guard Paul Francis Devereaux, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on April 20, his 69 ^th birthday.

So far, more than $4,000 has been raised through GoFundMe, with a goal of $20,000.

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“In lieu of flowers, please send a simple donation to help with funeral expenses for his loving wife of 41 years, Barbara Devereaux,” said fundraiser organizer Jerome Ryan.

A popular school crossing guard at the corner of Kimball Avenue and North Chestnut Street in Westfield for the past few years, Paul Devereaux “always had a smile on his face and was loved by everyone he came into contact with,” Ryan said.

“He made sure he got his Lotto numbers in every night,” Ryan recalled. “He will be missed by all. He’s touched so many hearts and we still can’t even fathom it.”

Westfield parent Mary Schwarz knew Devereaux for the three years that her twin girls have attended Wilson Elementary School. Devereaux worked as a crossing guard near the school Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

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“He was a wonderful person. He had a brightness about him,” Schwarz said. “He was very kind, had a wonderful smile and would be happy to see everybody. He had an ease about him. He cared about the kids and crossing them safely, and looked out for his coworkers as well.

“His focus on kids and families’ safety was paramount,” she said. “He had such a happy demeanor. Paul really brightened our day.

“He clearly loved his family and his wife, that clearly came through in our daily talks. He had a zest for life,” Schwarz added.

The last time she saw Devereaux, Schwarz said, he “waved and said he’d see us on Monday. I think the community will miss him greatly.”

Devereaux was born in Brooklyn and raised in Breezy Point, Queens. After he and Barbara wed, they lived in Brooklyn before moving to Scotch Plains 13 years ago.

After working for 30 years for the New York Life Insurance Co., he worked the last 17 years as a security guard for Mulligan Security in New York City.

Devereaux enjoyed salt-water fishing and was a devoted fan of the New York Rangers and the New York Jets. He also loved the Rolling Stones, Ryan added.

A memorial service was held April 25 at St. Helens Church in Westfield.

Predeceased by his brother James, Devereaux is survived by his wife Barbara (Farish) Devereaux; son Robert and his wife Sharon; son Henry and his wife Monica; and grandchildren Brianna, Morgan, Aiden and Luke, according to his obituary.

For more information about the GoFundMe account and to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/3ymrn-paul .

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