Gloucester - Paul Austin Beal Sr. of Gloucester, tragically lost at sea on January 30, 2026.

Born on October 11, 1955 in Rockport, MA to the late Lloyd and Marilyn (Balzarini) Beal. Paul grew up in Rockport with his brothers, Richard (Ricky), and Kenneth (Kenny). He was a graduate of Rockport High School, Class of 1974.

After graduation Paul followed his heart to the Ocean. It was a way of life for the Beal Family dating back to ancestors in Beals Island, Maine. His grandfather Austin Beal was one of the last lighthouse keepers to man Thacher Island before the Coast Guard took over in the early 1940s.

He proudly fished alongside his brother Ricky on his F/V Gannett in his earlier years. There were many boats Paul fished aboard and captained requiring a couple pages of the paper to list them all. The last couple boats were a little extra special to Paul. Paul spent many years on the F/V Sea Farmer and was able to bring his son PJ aboard with him and teach him the skills and hard work that it takes to be a fisherman. And lastly, Paul's heart was full aboard the F/V Lily Jean. Nothing made him happier fishing with his son PJ again and the great crew of the Lily Jean.

Paul's heart on the water was not always on commercial boats. For many years he captained Charter Boats for the Yankee Fleet including the Yankee Patriot, Yankee Capts, Yankee Clipper, all the way back to the Yankee Dolphin days. You would always find the "regulars" trying to find out what boat Paul was going to captain because they always wanted to be with him and they knew he always caught the fish! He also grew many great lifelong friendships through the Yankee Fleet. Paul was an inspiration to all there. With his oldest son Brendan alongside, he taught many young folks working summer jobs there how to work hard and serve the customers.

Paul will be remembered by his hard work, generosity, kindness and love he had for family. And of course, his smile and laugh that would light up any room.

Paul is survived by his wife, Lauren Blanchard; his three stepchildren, Eric Negron, Jason Negron and his life partner, Jillian Shamburger and twins Gwen and Jameson, and Markie Tarantino and his step grandchildren, Arianna Bruni and Izabelle Negron. Paul is also survived by his son, Brendan Piscitello and his wife Jennifer of Danvers, MA and daughters Kaitlyn Piscitello of Gloucester and Jacqueline Beal of Manchester, NH; grandchildren, Bradley, Brooke, Benjamin and Brianna Piscitello and Freya Beal; his oldest brother, Richard Beal of Gloucester and sister-in-law, Susan Beal of Ozark, Alabama; former wife, Denee Beal; many nieces and nephews; and his extended friends and Crow's Nest family.

Paul was predeceased by his father and mother, Lloyd and Marilyn Beal and his younger brother, Kenneth Beal; brothers-in-law, Dean and Dana DeCoste.

Paul is at rest at sea with his son Paul Austin Beal Jr. and the rest of the crew of the F/V Lily Jean.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FV Lily Jean Fund, organized by the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund at www.fvlilyjeanfund.org.