Paul Francis Innis

Paul Innis, beloved father, grandfather, and companion, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Gulfport, Florida.

Born in Milford, Massachusetts, on December 16, 1936, to Angelina and Charles Innis, Paul was a proud graduate of Milford High School’s Class of 1954. He went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Navy before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Worcester State College.

In 1962, Paul made Cape Cod his home, settling in the village of Pocasset. He began his career in the Bourne Public Schools as a teacher and later became a school principal, a position he held for more than three decades. Known for his leadership, compassion, and dedication to his students, Paul left a lasting mark on the community he served.

Paul was deeply involved in his Cape Cod community, serving for many years on both the Bourne Conservation Commission and the Planning Board.

A lifelong athlete, Paul discovered his passion for distance running in the mid-1970s, just at the time when the Falmouth Road Race was making Cape Cod a part of the running scene nationally.  He was a founding member of the Cape Cod Road Runners, a group who took their running very seriously but their entity very casually - they were a passionate, dedicated bunch.  He completed his first marathon in 1978. What began as a personal challenge grew into an impressive running career that spanned more than 30 marathons, including numerous Boston Marathons, as well as the New York City Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, the Cape Cod Marathon, and the Ocean State Marathon. His competitive spirit also led him to triathlons, including two Ironman competitions, before he eventually retired from racing.

Following his competitive years, Paul - affectionately nicknamed “Coach” - channeled his love for the sport into guiding others. He coached friends, family members, and countless aspiring runners toward their personal goals, and for many years, he proudly served as the head coach of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Men’s Cross-Country team.

Throughout his years on Cape Cod, Paul’s love for the ocean and passion for shell-fishing became a defining part of his life. In the late 80s  he combined these passions into a new adventure—founding Have a Clambake.com. What began as a personal hobby quickly grew into a way to bring people together, turning traditional clambakes into fun, memorable experiences for all. For many years, Paul served communities across the South Shore and Cape Cod, sharing fresh seafood, laughter, and warm hospitality at gatherings of every kind. Bringing joy to others was at the heart of his work, and he took pride in making each event special.  He was very good at his craft as the Clambake Man.  Paul had many long relationships with friends he had in Wareham and his many ties to the teaching community in Bourne.

In his later years, Paul made his home in Gulfport, Florida, where he quickly became one of those people everyone seemed to know and love. Paul’s easy charm, quick wit, and genuine interest in others made him a cherished part of the community—someone whose presence was always noticed, and always welcomed. His Gulfport friendships in the last third of his life were incredibly special to him. 

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Angelina Innis,  and his siblings: Charles Innis, Jr., Richard Innis, and Margaret McGowan. He is survived by his loving companion of many years, Jill Vella; his children Laura Innis, Steven Innis, and Lisa Innis; his grandchildren, Dylan, Mitchell, Max, Sam, and Bella; and his great-grandchildren, Brady and Riley,  as well as Jill’s critters at Gulfport.  He is also survived by former wife, Louise Sidoni Innis of Pocasset.   

Those who knew Paul will remember his generous spirit, his easy smile, and the way he poured himself into every endeavor—whether guiding a school, crossing a marathon finish line, or hosting a perfect clambake by the sea. His legacy is one of dedication, warmth, and community, and his presence will be deeply missed. He truly had an amazing life and will be remembered by so many.  His to-do list in the afterlife will include long morning runs with his buds, jam sessions on his stand-up bass fiddle, and a Busch Light or two at Neptune’s in the afternoon sun.

Burial will be private (family and Milford friends) at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Milford with his mother and father.  A Celebration of his life has been planned for early September to bring together his many friends, family, former workmates in the teaching world, the running world, and just all whom he impacted or impacted him.  Another gathering will be held in Gulfport coming up for his friends there to gather and celebrate life.

Thank you to all who took the time to read this and thank you for being a part of his life.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 1-5 pm at the Weary Travelers Club, 77 Valley Bars Road Monument Beach, MA 02553

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

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