Article taken from Queens Chronicle 9-21-17
Paul Narson, the former president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32, died last Wednesday night at NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens in Flushing.
He was 75.
Serving in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1965, mostly in Germany, Narson was stationed in Berlin during its 1961 crisis.
In civilian life years after his honorable discharge, the Flushing resident was a different kind of soldier.
“He was a powerful advocate for veterans,” Michael O’Kane, who succeeded Narson as the chapter’s president in 2015, told the Chronicle. “He was passionate. He was vocal. He was outspoken.”
Although Narson did not serve in Vietnam, according to O’Kane, he was eligible to join the VVA because of when he served.
The late veterans advocate forcefully advocated for the Vietnam veterans memorial that his 32 chapter predecessor chief Pat Toro first started working on.
“Now, it’s actually coming to fruition,” national VVA President John Rowan said. The project is expected to be completed in Elmhurst Park in the fall of next year.
The City Council’s Veterans Committee chairman recalls Narson as a strong advocate.
“He was a driving force behind getting the Veterans Department bill passed and signed into law,” Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said. The legislation created a city agency dedicated to veterans.
“He used to show up to a lot of the hearings, particularly the ones that focused on [post-traumatic stress disorder] and other mental health issues impacting the veterans community,” Ulrich added.
“He did a lot for the chapter,” VVA 32 Vice President Paul Feddern said. “He really did.”
Prior to retiring, the late veteran worked in sales for an auto glass company and after that, for a plate glass business.
A Bronx native, Narson also was a member of the Jewish War Veterans and American Legion. He was inducted into the state Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2015.
He was buried at Calverton National Cemetery on Long Island.
Narson is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Maria; his son, David and his grandaughter, Isabella.
Douglas Williams
Paulie was a friend and a man with a kind heart, he will be missed.
May he rest in peace.
Al Ranni
Our sincere condolences to the family. Paul will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. Al & Penny
Manfred Edenhofer
My condolences to the family and friends of Paul. He was a friend to all veterans and an important part of our Vietnam Veterans Chapter!
Thomas Van Etten
Pauli, this came too quickly and unexpectedly... we were not prepared. Rest peacefully, knowing we will be praying for your family. Tom and Ellen
Rubens Galchin
Christiana and Rubens gives our sincere condolences to the family
Bruce Wittmann
I remember at a street fair Paul telling me how much he enjoyed the company of his fellow Vets. Paul your company will be missed by all. Rest in peace.
Joseph Panzardi Sr.
Rest in peace my brother......Marilyn our prayers are with you......Love MaryAnn and Joe
Robert Boisselle
R.I.P. PAULIE WORDS ALONE CANNOT EXPRESS HOW SAD I AM TODAY .. THERE WILL BE A HUGE VOID AT THE CHAPTER WITH U NOT THERE .. BUT ATLEAST THEY'LL B MORE FOOD.Donald Fedynak
Rest easy Paul... It's time to stand down... It's time to go home... God speed...
Frank Danulevith
Paulie was a good friend to me and also the chapter....I knew Paulie for more than 22 years...He will be truly missed.....RIP Brother