Paul Robert Tesoro, an Area Resident, Dies at 66

Paul Robert Tesoro, 66, passed away peacefully after a long illness on August 20, 2017, surrounded by his beloved family and closest friends. We are reassured that this faithful communicant was fully aware of the love and support that held him in his final moments.

Born in Mount Vernon, New York, on February 7, 1951, he was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Grace Tesoro, in-laws William and Teresa Scotti, and cherished son, Andrew Tesoro. Paul attended Saint Ursula grammar school, Mount Saint Michael Academy, and Marist College, where he later earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration.

Paul was a passionate patron of the local art scene, lifelong Yankee fan, music aficionado, writer, reader, and proud Marist Red Fox. Paul served the local community nearly as devotedly as he served his family. He served on the Board of the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley; the Regional Food Bank Board of Directors; and the Duchess County Arts Council (now known as ArtsMid Hudson). He actively volunteered on behalf of the Heart Association of America; Literacy Volunteers of America, the Italian Center, Mt. Carmel Church, and Poughkeepsie City schools. He served on the Mt. Carmel Church Parish council, was inducted into the Marist College Theater Hall of Fame, and served as a Board member of the Valley Theater Company, where he met his beloved wife in 1974.

Paul joined Central Hudson in 1981 as its Director of Advertising. In 2004, he was promoted to Director of Corporate Communications, the position from which he retired after 29 years of service. For nearly 30 years, Paul was the voice and creative inspiration behind Central Hudson's popular Almanac radio program. His thousands of fans will forever cherish memories of Paul's observations on natural phenomena, local history, and weather insights. In his final days, Paul spoke often of the Almanac show he would have created for the recent solar eclipse. Even at the end, his desire to educate and entertain remained.

Left to carry Paul's memory are his wife of 41 years, Celeste; his daughters Carla Tesoro and her husband Brian Rudner, and Julie Shook and her husband, Nathan Shook; grandchildren Gabriel Paul, Emilia, Theodore, William, and Daniel; sister Janet Tesoro; brothers and sisters in law Ronald and Marianna Peek, and Frank and Ann Scotti; nieces and nephews, Stephanie and Sabrina Scotti, Gregory and Kayla Chenoweth, and Ryan, Dana, Adam and Billy Peek; great nieces and nephews, Alice Scotti, Sam, Hayden and Kate Peek, and Elizabeth, Brody and Charlotte Peek. He is also survived by many cousins, his godfather, Robert DiLorenzo, and countless friends.

In the final years of his life, Paul found great joy in visiting baseball stadiums across the country with lifelong friends Brian Doyle, Robert Ingraham, and Vincent Borelli. We are comforted that he is now seated in the best seats for the best game. Safe at home.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 23, 2017, 4-8PM at the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc., 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. A Mass Of Christian Burial will be Thursday, August 24, 2017, at 10AM in Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arts Midhudson or the Hudson Valley Regional Food Bank. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com