Obituary of Paul Anthony Atkins

Paul Anthony Atkins age 60 departed this life on Monday, November 23, 2020. It is with heavy hearts that Paul Atkins, known to many as P.A., has passed away. Paul was an accomplished individual with an impressive history. He was a graduate of Brien McMahon High School, who had a passion for basketball. In the 1976-77 school year, Paul led the Senators to their first championship ever. The following year he led the team to the semi-finals. He earned such titles as MVP, All-FCIAC, and All-State. Paul's athletic success at McMahon earned him a position at the collegial level, where almost 200 colleges competed to recruit him. Paul played for a junior college, in Texas, prior to continuing his basketball journey at the University of Texas. In his junior year, he left Texas and decided to play for New Mexico State and then and later for Dallas Baptist College. Paul's basketball career continued to excel, into the professional league, where he was drafted in the sixth round to the Boston Celtics. Paul was assigned to the CBA, after the training season ended, under the leadership of Dave Cowens. Paul's basketball career, with Cowens, was cut short when Paul was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. By the grace of God, Paul overcame this challenge. He continued to enjoy his passion in life by continuing to play the game he loved. He did this by playing in a summer league, which provided him with the opportunity to continue his dream of playing at the professional level. Paul's final years of basketball were played overseas in Buenos Aires, Venezuela, and Belgium, where he became fluent in the Spanish language. After retiring from basketball in 1996, Paul continued his life's legacy as an employee for the City of Norwalk Board of Education, for decades later. Paul's life was interrupted once again as he lost his recent battle for his life, due to health challenges. We are better people for knowing such a wonderful person who we all love and cherish. Paul filled so many hearts with laughter and has left us with a legacy that will live within us all for a lifetime. We thank God for giving us Paul Anthony for so many seasons. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020, at 11:00 AM, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 729 Union Ave, Bridgeport, CT. The family will receive guests from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Ave, Norwalk, CT.