Paul Considine

Thomas “Paul” Considine, (76) of Bryant, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, July 24, 2021 at 11:30 pm.

He was with his wife, Susan Mary D’Andrea Considine, and in the professional care of hospice staff.

Paul, also known as “Little Connie” was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, to the loving parents of “Big Connie” and Catherine Considine.   He was the middle of three siblings and attended Coyle High School in Taunton, MA.   Baseball, boating, quahogging and beach time in Westport, MA, being with his dog, Rocky, and his best friend for life, Billy Costa, were some of his favorite past times.   He graduated with a BS in Textile Engineering from Southeastern Massachusetts University, was an active member in the social fraternity, Phi Omega and immediately joined the management training program at Firestone Rubber Company in Fall River in 1968.

In the summer of 1968, Paul married the love of his life, Susan, after meeting her at a high school dance at the age of 14.  They steadily dated for seven years, tied the knot, and purchased their first home in Somerset, MA, with dreams of starting a family.

Paul was selected to be the new production manager of Firestone Rubber Company at the young age of 26 in Noblesville, IN, just six months after the birth of his first child, Colleen.    Spending seven years in the Hoosier state, the family grew with the births of Keith and Michael.  Paul was an active, involved young father and husband, community leader for Junior Achievement of Central Indiana and a fourth degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Catholic fraternal order.   He made many friends in Noblesville, enjoyed numerous friend gatherings for dinner and flipped countless breakfast pancakes at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

Career opportunity struck in 1979 – Paul was chosen to be the plant manager over the Firestone operations in Magnolia, Hope and Prescott, AR. With three young children and wife in tow, he quickly acclimated himself to the beautiful southern town of Magnolia that he called home for more than 25 years.    He was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, served on the parish council as the financial leader, participated in Rotary, volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club of Magnolia and the Magnolia Jaycees.  In his downtime, he was maniacal about maintaining a nice lawn and enjoyed golfing at the Magnolia Country Club, spending weekends at Lake DeGray or fishing at Lake Columbia (always throwing back the fish).

Paul had a way of getting things done – and getting others to follow his lead.  His Firestone years transitioned to the launch and development of American Fuel Cell and Coated Fabrics.   He was also tapped to lead the daily operations at Porterco and ultimately the Arkansas Small Business Development program for southern Arkansas, housed at Southern Arkansas University.  As Paul retired in 2010, he said he loved all his jobs, the people, and the missions they stood for, but his favorite was working with the Southern Arkansas University staff where he was affectionately revered as “Dr. Considine”, reflected on his office door.   Those final career years gave him a chance to teach others, and he found it highly rewarding.

He was always happiest when his home was filled with family, eating his famous chicken wings and well-done steaks.  He loved laughing and joking with his kids’ friends almost as much as his own!

Paul and Susan retired and moved to be closer to some of their family, making Bryant their home in 2010.  Paul soon became known as the woodworker, tinkerer, bird house maker and candle creator of the neighborhood.  He also loved to hold court at the Bishop Park Fitness Center in the early mornings for those who’d gather in the pool with him to exercise.   He quickly learned all the fast-food specials within a 5-mile radius of his home and would visit favorite watering holes with his new-found friends, sharing belly-aching stories of past and present.  He loved his retirement!

The Considine family organized a private wedding vow renewal ceremony to celebrate 50 years of marriage in 2018 aboard a houseboat on Lack Ouachita over a four-day weekend.   Paul said it was one of the greatest parties he ever attended, and he’d choose the bride all over again.

After complications related to heart and lung disease, Paul used his final weeks to connect 1:1 with his closest family members and friends to share his parting words of faith, love, and wisdom. He believed this time was a gift from God and wanted to make the most of it, just as he did with his life.

Paul is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan and three children, Colleen (David), Keith (Ami) and Michael (Abby), as well as his sister Judith (Richard) and brother John (Jo).   His grandchildren, Quinn & Dominic (Keith/Ami), Maddie & Emery (Michael/Abby) and Harrison, Ben, and William (Colleen/David) – as well as grand dogs Andi, Hash, Bear and Scout and numerous nephews and nieces as well as beloved in-laws.   He was preceded in passing by his father, Thomas Paul, and mother, Catherine.

A funeral mass will be held at St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Little Rock on Saturday, August 21 at 10:30am with Msgr David LeSieur, a lifelong family friend, presiding.  A celebration of life will be hosted for all friends and family at Chenal Country Club immediately following where his family will be present to welcome loved ones and share good stories.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to his charities of choice:  St Theresa’s Catholic Church, 6219 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209 and The Arkansas Food Bank, https://hunger.arkansasfoodbank.org/#/