Paul Guilfoyle

1937 – 2025

Paul Joseph Guilfoyle, 87, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, just a few weeks shy of his 88th birthday. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 31, 1937, Paul was the beloved son of Julia and Frank Guilfoyle. He was a devoted husband, loving father, brother, and proud grandfather and great grandfather whose generosity touched the lives of many.

As a child, he spent his winters in Dorchester, MA and summers on the shores of Scituate. He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School at the early age of 16, headed to Pittsburg to pursue higher education at Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University), where he earned a degree in metallurgical engineering. Upon graduation, he joined The Timken Company, where he worked for 41 years, rising to the position of General Manager – Steel Business. His first sales assignment at Timken landed him in Houston, where he met the love of his life, Jeanette Labay. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and an enduring partnership.

Paul and Jeanette raised five children in Dallas, Texas, before relocating to Timken’s headquarters in Canton, Ohio, where they spent the next 25 years. Upon retirement, they relocated to Fort Mill, South Carolina to enjoy warmer weather and to be closer to their grandchildren, making many friends at their new home in the Four Seasons Retirement Community.

Paul’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanette; sister Patricia Guilfoyle; children, Ann (Tom), Paul Jr. (Joelle), John (Stephanie), James (Heidi) and Julia (Eric); grandchildren, Cate, Liam, Sarah, Julia, Joey, Maggie, Ellie, Emilia, John, Megan, Rachel, Ian, Aidan, Colin and Lainey; and great grandchildren Holden, Eliza, and Peyton.

Paul will be remembered for his quiet faith and deep devotion to his wife and family. Whether playing bridge or poor golf, offering sage advice, or encouraging spirited banter, Paul had a love for life and sense of humor that brightened everyone’s day.

A mass will be held at St. Phillips Neri Catholic Church at noon on Thursday, May 22 followed by a celebration of life reception at the Four Seasons club house starting at 1:30 pm. Please come and celebrate Paul’s life with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to St. Phillips Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, SC or to a charity of your choice in Paul’s memory.