Key Takeaways
- • Paul Singer of Traverse City passed away peacefully at his home on January 20, 2021, at age 71, following a career in insurance.
- • Singer was survived by his wife of 47 years, Maggie, three children (Melanie, Aaron, and Meghan), and four grandchildren.
- • Post-retirement, Singer engaged in social and political activism as a member of Indivisible and Occupy (TC) movements, focusing on social justice advocacy alongside his wife.
- • Singer battled multiple sclerosis (MS) in his later years, which prevented continued participation in athletic activities despite his lifelong passion for sports and hockey.
- • Services were handled by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Traverse City, Michigan.
Summary
Paul Singer, a Traverse City resident, passed away on January 20, 2021, at his home at age 71. Born on September 25, 1949, to John and Mary Gabert Singer, he spent his early years caring for his aging parents with dedication and compassion throughout their final years. Singer's professional career centered on the insurance industry, which he pursued before retiring to pursue other interests and causes.
Following his retirement from insurance, Singer redirected his energy toward social and political advocacy. He became actively involved with Indivisible and the Occupy (TC) movement, working alongside his wife of 47 years, Maggie, to advance social justice causes. The couple demonstrated sustained commitment to community activism and positive change throughout this period of their lives.
Singer maintained a lifelong passion for athletics and sports. He played competitive hockey through high school and college before joining a men's league that allowed him to compete recreationally into his 40s. His enthusiasm extended to spectating professional sports, particularly the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions. However, his diagnosis and battle with multiple sclerosis limited his ability to participate in physical activities in his later years, though he remained an engaged fan.
Family remained central to Singer's identity and priorities. He was survived by his wife Maggie, three children (Melanie, Aaron, and Meghan), four grandchildren (Olivia, Nathan, Emma, and Abe), and three brothers (Jayson, John, and Eric). According to his obituary, Singer often characterized his children and grandchildren as his greatest life accomplishments. He maintained active involvement in their lives, rarely missing games, concerts, or family events and providing consistent support whenever needed.
Those who knew Singer recalled his distinctive sense of humor—described as "unique and oddly charming if not always appropriate"—as his defining characteristic. His legacy encompasses his humor, passion, generosity, and devotion to family and community causes.
Following his retirement from insurance, Singer redirected his energy toward social and political advocacy. He became actively involved with Indivisible and the Occupy (TC) movement, working alongside his wife of 47 years, Maggie, to advance social justice causes. The couple demonstrated sustained commitment to community activism and positive change throughout this period of their lives.
Singer maintained a lifelong passion for athletics and sports. He played competitive hockey through high school and college before joining a men's league that allowed him to compete recreationally into his 40s. His enthusiasm extended to spectating professional sports, particularly the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions. However, his diagnosis and battle with multiple sclerosis limited his ability to participate in physical activities in his later years, though he remained an engaged fan.
Family remained central to Singer's identity and priorities. He was survived by his wife Maggie, three children (Melanie, Aaron, and Meghan), four grandchildren (Olivia, Nathan, Emma, and Abe), and three brothers (Jayson, John, and Eric). According to his obituary, Singer often characterized his children and grandchildren as his greatest life accomplishments. He maintained active involvement in their lives, rarely missing games, concerts, or family events and providing consistent support whenever needed.
Those who knew Singer recalled his distinctive sense of humor—described as "unique and oddly charming if not always appropriate"—as his defining characteristic. His legacy encompasses his humor, passion, generosity, and devotion to family and community causes.
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