Paul Gabriel Hastings, 91, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on September 11, 2023, in a local hospital. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara Joan Knight Hastings; sons, Paul Gabriel Hastings, Jr. (Anne), of Norfolk, Virginia, and Patrick Michael Hastings of Virginia Beach; granddaughter, Katharine Baird Hastings (Reihle Kash) of Richmond, Virginia; grandson, Paul Graham Hastings (Ali) of Richmond; and great grandson, Paul Hudson Hastings. Paul is also survived by nephews, John A. Hastings, III (Joan), and Michael J. Hastings (Roberta); niece, Mary E. Frost (Stephen); and grandnieces, Kaitlyn F. Condon (Patrick), Colleen Frost, and Abigail H. Howard (Andrew), all of Massachusetts.
Paul was born on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932, in Clinton, Massachusetts, to John Arthur Hastings and Anne Cunnis Hastings. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, John A. Hastings, Jr., and John’s wife, Phyllis A. Hastings.
Paul lived in Clinton until 1951, when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for eight years. He was a Korean War veteran, having served in Korea for 13 months with the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Paul was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three campaign service stars for his wartime service. He left the Marine Corps as a First Lieutenant to pursue a career in the civilian sector. Paul attended the College of William and Mary, Norfolk Division, after his military service.
Following a 30-year career with Leggett Department Stores in Lynchburg and Virginia Beach, Paul became an active volunteer with the Lago Mar Civic League, the Knights of Columbus, Council #134467, the Virginia Beach Community Emergency Response Team, and the Sentara Reach Program at the Princess Anne Recreation Center. He was a devout Catholic and a founding member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, where he also served as a lector.
Whether it was a telephone call, a holiday meal, or any family gathering, Paul always expressed his love for family. He never met a stranger, and his engaging personality will be missed by all who knew him. Paul was especially proud of his service to our country as a Marine.
A private Mass of Resurrection for family will be held in the future at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, with Father Rob Cole officiating.
I remember Paul back in the late 1980s and early 90s as he worked hard to help establish St. Johns the Apostle Church. He was a lector for many years and it was a joy to hear him read from the Holy Gospel at Mass. I also knew Paul from his many years of walking all thru his neighborhood for exercise, he was always friendly and ready to chat. The world is now less one good man.
Paul was a wonderful man and a great Manager at Leggett while I was working at the Lynn haven Store. Joan and Paul always made time to talk to you and make you feel important. God is lucky to have Paul and our country is proud of men like Paul. God Bless
Love, Janet and Jim Ramsey
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Paul Gabriel Hastings, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Marine Veteran, Paul Gabriel Hastings, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †