Paul Sandberg, 81, of Wallingford departed this life on March 15, 2026 at Masonicare in Wallingford. Paul was born in Detroit Lakes, MN to the late Reverend Ralph and Eleanor (Valberg) Sandberg.
At age 13 Paul and his family moved from the plains of Minnesota to the rolling hills of Connecticut. He loved New England and the East Coast. After graduating from Cromwell High School, Paul attended Wagner College, Staten Island, New York where he sang in the touring choir for four years and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He met his soulmate Merrie at Wagner.
Graduate school took him to Syracuse University where he earned a master's degree in Education. An alternative service placement during the Vietnam War led him to his career as a social worker for the State of Connecticut. Paul was very proud of his 37 years of service with the Department of Disability Services.
A lifelong reader, Paul especially enjoyed history and politics. Other interests included photography, tent camping, fishing, birding, and gardening. Paul and Merilyn were active members of the Wallingford Community Garden for 25 years.
A very proud PapaPaul to Ryan and Katie and Poppi to Madilyn and Parker, Paul always looked forward to spending time with the grandkids.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Merilyn, daughter Heidi Rozie (Tony), son Erik Sandberg (Sarah), grandchildren Ryan & Katie Arndt and Madilyn & Parker Sandberg, sisters Rosemary Padden (Mark) and Ruth Voosen (Ed), and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Paul was predeceased by his brother LTJG Joel A. Sandberg.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore Wellfleet MA.
The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford, Connecticut has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.BaileyCares.com.