Paul E. Courtney

Paul Edwin Courtney, Esq., 89, of 115 Windy Ghoul Drive, Brighton Township, and Marco Island, Florida, a local attorney, died Friday, August 26, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Born July 23, 1927, a son of Edwin L. and Thelma Hinish Courtney, he was the husband of Eleanor Stout Courtney, his high school sweetheart, whom he married June 25, 1949. He was a life-long resident of the Beaver area.

He had a doctor of law degree from the University of Pittsburgh and had practiced law in Beaver County since 1953, retiring at age 79. He had been a board member of the Union Building and Loan Savings Bank for 62 years and its solicitor since 1957 until his retirement in 2006. He had been a Methodist Church trustee for 60 years, first in Bridgewater, then in Beaver, having served continuously since his 21st birthday. He was an organizer and long-time member of Lawyers’ Abstract of Beaver County and faithfully served on the Zoning and Hearing Board of Brighton Township, all volunteer positions. He was vice president of Beaver High School Class of 1945, member of the National Honor Society, and recipient of letters in football and basketball. In eighth grade, he received the American Legion award for scholarship, courage, leadership, honor and service, qualities which he demonstrated throughout his life.

During his professional life, he was a member of the Beaver County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Association of Trial Lawyers. In 2003, he was honored by the local bar association for 50 years of practicing law in Beaver County and in 2004 was recognized by the Union Building and Loan Savings Bank for his faithful service of over 50 years. He was honored also by the Masonic Lodge with a 50-year pin.

He served his church in numerous capacities, generously giving of his expertise to those in need. He was an original and active member of the church endowment committee and served many years on the Church Council. With his wife, he endowed the Courtney Memorial Library and financially contributed annually to its upkeep since 1962, over 54 years. He was an original board member of the Hub Finance Company, where he served for over 45 years. He was a former solicitor for the Beaver County Treasurer’s Office and the office of Register of Wills, and served for many years as solicitor of Bridgewater. He served his country in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was a charter member of the Jolly Boys Investment Club and enjoyed his friendship with the original fishing buddies, Tom Kissick, Bob Beglin, Roy Harden, Floyd Standley, and Bob Shultz, all preceding him in death.

His legal colleagues spoke of him with respect. His children appreciated his devotion to them, his sense of humor and his adventuresome spirit. “Granddaddy” to his three grandchildren, he always received extra hugs when they were rewarded with chewing gum, a luxury for children of a dentist.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Eleanor Stout Courtney; a son, Christopher Paul, Marco Island, Florida; two daughters, Colleen Courtney Bingle and husband, Chuck, Marco Island, Florida and Dr. Julie Courtney-Murphy, Gibsonia; three grandchildren, Courtney Ann, Ryan Patrick, and Connor James Murphy. He often commented that his family was the most important blessing of his life and he treasured every moment with them. He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin L. Courtney; his mother, Thelma Hinish Courtney, and his beloved sibling, Dr. Donald Addison Courtney.

Friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the NOLL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 333 Third St., Beaver, as well as Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m. in the Beaver United Methodist Church, 345 College Ave., Beaver. The service will be conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Emmett Anderson. Interment, with full military rites given by the Beaver County Special Unit,  will follow in the Beaver Cemetery.

Friends, if they wish, may make contributions to the Courtney Memorial Library of the Beaver United Methodist Church, 345 College Avenue, Beaver, 15009. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.