The Edwards Family
October 19, 2019 should’ve been a typical Saturday morning at the Edwards home where baseball and soccer practice would fill the day. Marcelina and Paul were in bed when the children entered their parents' room with all the youthful glee and joy of a Saturday morning. Heading first to their mother to shower her with attention and love, their mother asked the kids to wake up their dad who was seemingly still sound asleep. To their tremendous shock and disbelief, the family discovered that Paul had passed away unexpectedly in his sleep.
Paul was the father of three young children; 11 year old Anthony, 8 year old Abby, and 6 year old Alex. Also a dedicated husband to Marcelina for 14 years, he and his wife share a passion for teaching. A proud former marine, Paul had become a greatly beloved and impactful teacher at the Boston Arts Academy. He also coached little league baseball for the last 6 years in Brockton. Paul’s commitment to family, community, and mentorship was exemplary.
Paul was a pillar of strength, supportive of his wife Marcelina, his family and his students. In addition, he was an awesome uncle who was very much involved in the lives of his nieces and nephews. This sudden tragedy occurred just weeks after his 42nd birthday. It has left his family and friends in shock, attempting daily to maintain the household and find a way to help his children deal with the loss of their father.
His wife, Marcelina, a teacher at Boston International Newcomers Academy and also a former Marine is left to carry the responsibilities of raising their three children as a single mother. Marcelina has taken time off from work to focus on the kids as they continue to try to make peace with the tragic loss of their father and best friend.
Family and friends have come together to help in any way they can, knowing that no amount of money will ever be enough to replace this extraordinary man that was taken too soon.
In order to allow the Edwards family to focus on grieving, remembering and coping with Paul’s loss, the Boston Public Schools community is hoping for some help with the education, child care and counseling costs that will be needed for the family. This is a nightmare for all of us and something that we could never prepare for. We know that if we stick together, that we can lean on each other with every passing day. If you feel compelled to support, we would be grateful.