Paul L. Stage

Paul was a 1955 graduate of Mayville Central School. He then proudly served his country in the United States Army. Paul began serving with the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Department in 1971, dedicating a remarkable 52 years of service, continuing well beyond retirement. In earlier years he worked for the malted milk plant in Mayville.

He was a member of the Church on the Rock in Lakewood, NY, a seventy-five-year member of the Dewittville Fire Department, and belonged to the Vikings Lodge in Maple Springs, CSEA, the Democratic Party of Chautauqua County and was a previous Mason and member of the Dewittville United Methodist Church.

Paul enjoyed mowing, tractors, talking, hunting, snowmobiling, going to yard sales, and being involved in local politics. He especially enjoyed time with his family and working on his nephew Jon’s golf course, Woodcrest. He also contributed to the restoration of the Chautauqua Belle, serving as a dedicated crew member during its refitting and operation.

He is survived by his four children; Gloria Nickerson, of Jamestown, Sharry (Tom) Russo of Deltona, FL, Timothy A Stage of Deland, FL, and Scott D. Stage of Dewittville, four grandchildren; Michael Russo, Nicholas (Jessica) Russo, Christopher Russo, Brian Stage, three step grandchildren; Trevor, Tage and Keith Nickerson, five great grandchildren; Austin, Nicholas, Roman, Kinley, and Camden, his name-sake nephew, Paul O Stage, whom he was very close with, his caregiver of the last three years, Roel Pagulong, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty A Penhollow Stage, whom he married May 3, 1969, a brother, Delos Stage, and four sisters, Louise Malchow, Marie Crandall, Martha Crandall, and Charlotte Wood.

The funeral will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Dewittville Community Church (5452 Meadows Rd, Dewittville, NY, 14728). The Rev. Doug Kibbe and Rev Mike Spell will officiate. Burial will be in the Dewittville Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025,at the Freay Funeral Home (139 S Erie St, Mayville, NY).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the North Lake Fire Department (PO Box 2, Mayville, NY 14757).

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.