Plan for the Future
Paul William Axelsen, 52, of Madison, New Jersey passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with melanoma.
Paul was born on September 29, 1964 in Rockaway Beach, New York. He was the son of Roy and the late Barbara (Trieglaff) Axelsen. He spent his childhood in Port Reading, New Jersey and attended Woodbridge High School.
Paul was a 1987 graduate of New Jersey Institute of Technology. He worked as an architect for Pulte Homes, Basking Ridge, New Jersey. His passion for architecture started with the Frank Lloyd Wright designed “Fallingwater residence” and his love of it has been passed down to his children. In Paul’s spare time he enjoyed visiting museums, playing board games with his kids, and driving the family throughout the United States on family trips. Many memorable trips included trips to Mequon, Wisconsin, Portland, Maine, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Pointe aux Barques, Michigan, and Telluride, Colorado. His love for nature was shown by numerous hikes thru Acadia National Park in Maine and Jockey Hollow National Park in New Jersey. He loved to visit Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. And, he always took his three loving children on these adventures.
Paul was a strong believer in the scouting programs. He encouraged Brian and Emily to join. And, both Brian and Emily are very involved in Scouts to this day. Paul was Brian’s Den Leader for Den One in Cub Scout Pack #124 in Madison, New Jersey for five straight years. Paul was determined to insure that his den received all of the pins the final year in Cub Scouts.
In recent years, he became very involved with Boy Scout Troop #25 based in Madison, New Jersey. One highlight was when Paul backpacked at Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico. Philmont is a high adventure camp with a two week span of hiking. Paul enjoyed this amazing adventure with his son Brian in July 2015. It was a special highlight for both Paul and Brian.
Paul had a special bond with his brother, Bob, his best friend. Over the last 56 straight months, they shared activities that they accomplished together. Some of the memorable activities included climbing Mt. Washington and Mount Marcy. Paul and Bob both enjoyed telling others that they were “one year, seven months, and five days” apart in age. Due to this close age, they were inseparable as boys in the 1970s and had many great times collecting bugs and selling candy to the neighborhood pack of children.
During his illness, Dr. Anna Pavlick of New York University, helped him immensely. Over the course of his treatments, they built a special bond that was instrumental in helping Paul overcome both the physical rigors of treatment as well as the emotional aspects. The family would like to extend their sincere and deepest gratitude to her and the entire team at New York University. Paul often remarked, “Dr. Pavlick never gives up.” Her strength helped Paul survive an amazing eight years after his diagnosis.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Alison. He was the loving father to twins, Emily and Brian, and daughter, Katherine. In addition, he is survived by his father, Roy Axelsen, brother, Bob Axelsen and wife Mary Ann, sister, Barbara Rogowski and husband Joe, brother-in-laws; Brad Lange, and Todd Lange and wife Michelle. Paul was the cherished uncle of Robbie, Michael, Steven, and Eric Axelsen, Scott and Jason Rogowski, and Travis and Dylan Lange. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Wally Lange, mother-in-law Clyda Lange and many extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Barbara Axelsen.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928. During the visitation, at 7:00 p.m., a special prayer will be said and reflections.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Presbyterian Church of New Providence, 1307 Springfield Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974. Guests should plan to arrive at 9:45 a.m. for the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or the Boy Scouts of America.