Paul R. Anapol
May 18, 1933-July 6, 2012
Paul R. Anapol of Portland, Maine, and Key West, Fla., died Friday, July 6, 2012, in Portland with his family by his side. He was 79.
Born in Atlantic City, N.J., he graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1951 and received a full scholarship to Temple University, where he played for the Temple Owls and met Sara Jane Feldman, whom he married in 1955. After a year of law school at the University of Pennsylvania, he served as a lieutenant in the Army, stationed in Ansbach, Germany, during the Korean War. Following a two-year deployment, he graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1960.
Immediately following his graduation, Paul served as a clerk to the Honorable Judge Harry Kalodner of the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. Thereafter, Paul was hired by the legendary Nathaniel Richter of Philadelphia. Paul was elected in 1969 as a county freeholder in Camden County, N.J. In 1975, Paul founded his own law firm, which today is known simply as Anapol Schwartz. Paul dedicated his career to fighting for victims' rights, a true champion of justice. He served as president of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association in 1986-1987, and received multiple awards and commendations throughout his legal career before retiring in 1992 -- a Philadelphia trial lawyer legend in his own right.
In 1987, he married Sarah Thompson, who shared his passions for law, politics, tennis and sailing. They played tennis and sailed at their home in Key West for many years. They went on many horseback-riding adventures. They also enjoyed travel.
One of his great pleasures in his later life was leisurely walks with one of his three Labs, Jett, Michael and Patrick, and of course, his wife. November would have been their 25th anniversary.
Paul said what he most hoped to be remembered for was being a good father. He is also remembered for being a wonderful husband and a terrific raconteur, who could keep a room spellbound for hours.
He was predeceased by his parents, Reuben and Tilly Anapol; and brother, Milton Anapol.
Paul is survived by his wife, Sarah M. Thompson of Portland, Maine, and Key West; first wife, Sara Jane Anapol of Sarasota, Fla.; their three children, Andrea Anapol of Key West, Ruth Anapol of Greenwich, Conn., and Thomas Anapol and wife, Bonnie, of Bryn Mawr, Pa.; four grandchildren, Caroline and Elizabeth Anapol of Bryn Mawr, Laura and Nicolas Navarrete of Greenwich; his beloved Labrador retriever, Patrick; and best friend, Jerry Schwartz of Cherry Hill, N.J.
Per his wishes, Paul Anapol was cremated in Portland. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2012, at the law offices of Anapol Schwartz, 1710 Spruce St. in Philadelphia. Memorials and celebrations of his life will be held in Portland and Key West at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).