Paul C. Powell

Harpswell, ME–Paul C. Powell, age 69, peaceably passed due to complications from ALS on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Maryland.

As a young man Paul became an Eagle Scout and was a leader in the Order of the Arrow. He and his wife Diane, who were married for 48 years, began dating during their senior year of high school.

Paul went on to Webb Institute where he graduated with a dual BS degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He then worked for BIW contributing to the shipbuilding industry there for over 20 years, working on such programs as the Arleigh Burke and implementing new processes like the Material Resource Planning (MRP) system.

Paul and Diane raised their three children in Topsham, Maine. Always engaging with the community, he participated in rebuilding the Williams Cone playground, helped lead the planning and development of the Topsham Public Library on Foreside Road, coached soccer teams, and chaperoned field trips. Paul loved to share his experiences with his children and their classmates; presenting food and information gathered during business trips to Japan and Finland.

During these years Paul became an avid sailor, sailing from Mere Point for over 40 years. He made lifelong friends who became and remain extended family.

Paul then moved to New Hampshire where he built a reputation among his children’s friends for extended Powell family breakfasts and annual apple cider pressing. His career continued at Raytheon, where he became an Engineering Fellow. He retired from RTX March 28 of this year. Per his colleagues:

Paul was an incredible mentor and technical expert supporting Navy radar programs for Raytheon. He played an instrumental role in shaping the architecture of Navy ships for the future radar programs and was well respected by the customer and industry partners. Paul was the go-to person for questions related to the radar hardware and will be missed by all those he mentored and worked with over the years.

He is so loved and dearly missed.

Paul is survived by his wife, Diane, his children, Meaghan, Erin, and Ian, his siblings, Mark Powell, Elizabeth Greene, and Priscilla North, his grandsons, Aiden and Eli, and his loving dog, Maple.

A memorial service will be scheduled after the first of the year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Compassionate Care ALS at CCALS.org/donate. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brackettfh.com.