Paul J. Fairbanks, 83
Paul J. Fairbanks, age 83, of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, passed away on May 30, 2026 at home, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born on March 25, 1943, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he later lived in California and Colorado, before settling in South Dartmouth in 1987.
Paul was the husband of Diane C (Borges Fairbanks) and the son of the late George and Mary (Sylvia) Fairbanks. He grew up in Taunton, Massachusetts and graduated from Taunton High School. He pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Bridgewater State University, Masters Degree from Southern Illinois University, and Doctorate of Mathematics from the University of Northern Colorado.
Paul began his professional career teaching in Long Island, New York before he decided to join the Air Force. During his 20 year military career, he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He courageously served in Vietnam, and, while flying many combat missions aboard B52 bombers, he was shot down and rescued. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart, along with numerous other medals.
During his military career, in addition to his time serving in combat in Vietnam, Paul taught mathematics at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He ended his career at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Following his time in the Air Force, Paul devoted nearly 30 years to Bridgewater State University as a professor of mathematics, bringing discipline, clarity, and a deep respect for learning to generations of students.
For 42 years, Paul shared a devoted marriage with his wife, Diane, living in South Dartmouth. He is survived by his stepchildren, Erik Drewniak and Stephanie (Drewniak) Bennett, and his step-grandchildren, Emma and Bryan Drewniak. He was predeceased by his step-grandson, Zeke Drewniak.
He is also survived by his sister, Rosemary Gary of California. He was predeceased by his brothers, George, Douglas, Harold and Albert Fairbanks. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Judy Tremblay, and her late husband Philip, his brother-in-law, Richard Borges and his wife Bernadette, and his sister-in-law, Frances Fairbanks, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In his personal life, Paul found much enjoyment in playing golf, sailing, walking, reading, and spending time at home with Diane and in the company of family and friends. He was a member of Allendale Country Club for many years and played golf every day, as long as the weather permitted. Paul was an avid golfer!
Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and a very quick wit. He was very generous and loved making people laugh. Even when enduring many, many years with Parkinson’s disease, he continued to have his sense of humor. Through each chapter of his life- service, scholarship, family, and leisure- Paul carried himself with a steady sense of duty and devotion to the people and pursuits he held dear. He was loved and admired by all who knew him.
His burial with military honors will be held on September 2, 2026 at 1:15 pm at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., in Bourne. A luncheon will follow at 3:00 pm at the Allendale Country Club, 1047 Allen St., North Dartmouth. Feel free to arrive earlier to celebrate Paul's life at the bar and outdoor lounge before lunch is served at 3:00 pm. If you plan to attend the luncheon, please RSVP to Diane Fairbanks at (508)982-2422 by August 18th.
Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at www.give.michaeljfox.org.
Arrangements are in the care of Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth.
