Dr. Edward “Paul” Andersen passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, just a few weeks prior to his 82nd birthday. He will be remembered for his compassion and commitment to improving the lives of his patients, community, and family.
Paul was the devoted husband of Pauline Andersen of Naples, Florida for more than 45 years and beloved father to daughters Amy Wyatt and Jessie Cornelius. He is also survived by son-in-laws Brian Wyatt and Matthew Cornelius as well as grandsons Alexander, Charles and Edward Wyatt. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mildred (Glennon) and his brothers William, Thomas and Robert.
Paul grew up in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He excelled in academics graduating from Boston College High School (‘56), College of the Holy Cross (‘60) and Boston University School of Medicine (‘64). He enrolled in the United States Navy “Ensign 1915 Program” in 1961 and participated in the senior student program from 1963-1964. In 1965, he entered active duty of the Navy as a Lieutenant in the Medical Corps. He deployed that same year to Okinawa where he served with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. In 1966, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained in Vietnam. In 1971, Paul returned to Vietnam for three months to provide medical services as part of the American Medical Association’s Volunteer Physicians for Vietnam Program.
Following his tenure in the Navy, Paul completed his residency in ophthalmology at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas where he also completed an internship from 1964-1965. He led his own ophthalmology practice for more than 30 years in Woonsocket, RI. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. Paul served as president of the medical staff for Fogarty Memorial Hospital From 1982-1984 as well as the Landmark Medical Center from 1988-1989 and 2002-2003. In service to his community, Paul participated in ophthalmology screenings for underserved populations with the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and the Senior Friendship Center.
Funeral services will be held in Chatham, Massachusetts in August.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Matthews House in Naples, Florida.