Paul M. Fermoile

Lockport native Paul M. Fermoile, a decorated naval officer and U.S. State Department official, passed away in Washington, D.C. on October 20, 2025 at the age of 73. He was the son of the late Marilyn and John D. Fermoile, Sr.

A 1970 graduate of DeSales Catholic High School, Paul earned his B.A. in Government, summa cum laude, from Georgetown University. After stints with the U.S. Customs Service and Internal Revenue Service, Paul became a naval Officer and spent 20 years on active duty and in the reserves. Paul received numerous awards and decorations, and rose to the rank of Commander.

In 1997, Paul joined the U.S. Foreign Service. He held consular posts in Pretoria, South Africa; Mexico City, Mexico; Santiago, Chile; Kolkata, India; Panama City, Panama; and Washington, DC. He retired in 2017 after 20 years of service.

Paul was curious, with a good sense of humor and zest for life. He embraced a variety of interests including travel, dining, reading, golf, dance, international affairs, voice acting, and aviation, and in recent years, had become an avid hiker. He led group hikes in Northern Virginia and, three years ago, walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Im Sun Fermoile, Paul’s beloved wife of 35 years, died in 2016. He was pre-deceased by his brother, John D. Fermoile, Jr., and sister, Diane Fermoile-McAvoy.

Paul is survived by his stepson Cory (Stacy) Paige and two grandchildren; brothers Marc (Colleen) Fermoile and David Fermoile; brother-in-law Jerry McAvoy; and nieces Kelly (Mike) Helmuth and Megan (Adam) Huczel.

Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.