Paul Erik Rasmussen, 82, passed away peacefully of pneumonia on August 7, 2023 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth. Born in Sindal, Denmark, Paul's family migrated to Sandusky, Ohio in the 1950s. Paul played football and held the half-mile track record at his high school. After graduating, Paul enlisted in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1967. Paul settled in Watertown, MA in 1965 after marrying his wife and later earned his Bachelor's Degree as a Mechanical Engineer. Among his best designs was a key component used in the Hubble Telescope.

Paul moved to Wareham, MA in 1990 and retired in June of 2001. Having more free time, Paul was able to focus on his favorite hobby - sailing. Paul was a former member of the Pelagic Sailing Club and a longtime member of the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, MA. Paul enjoyed pub nights as well as taking part in Wednesday Twilight Races, the Buzzard Bay Regatta, and the Marion-Bermuda Race. Paul also held the positions of Commodore and Race Committee Inspector.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Aagie and Gertrude (née Jensen) Rasmussen and his wife of 56 years, Dorothy E. Rasmussen (née Mederios).

He is survived by his son, Joseph R. Rasmussen and his wife, Joanne, of Naples, FL; his daughter, Nancy A. Donahue and her husband, David, of Forestdale, MA; his daughter, Paula J. Pires and her partner, Linda Leja, of Fairhaven, MA; his six grandchildren Emily Pires Swift and her husband Deacon of Boston, Evan Pires of Boston, Molly Rose Donahue of Wareham, David Rush Donahue, Jr of Centerville, Colton Rasmussen of Naples, FL, Isabel Rasmussen of Naples, FL; his four great grandchildren Hunter, Jaxon, Julian and Theodore; and his younger brother, Palle Rasmussen and his wife, Lisa, of Morehead, NC.

His family will hold a private celebration in memory of their father in Boston on Sunday, October 15. Interment will also be private at a later date.