Paul Galop, the longtime Chatham A's/Anglers volunteer, host parent, public address announcer, treasurer and president, died on Friday surrounded by his family. He was 68.

Family and friends can attend visiting hours on June 4 from 3-7:30 p.m. at Nickerson Funeral Home in Chatham, and a Veterans Field baseball worship service will be held on June 5 at 12:30 p.m. The passage below was written by Vice President Bob Sherman on behalf of the Chatham Athletic Association and posted to the Anglers alumni Facebook page.

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Paul spent his first tenure with the A's in the early 1980s before moving to New Hampshire. He returned to Chatham in 1991 and remained with the franchise until 2003, when he was offered the position of Commissioner of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He took over that role and remained in it for 15 years, overseeing the many challenges and changes to summer collegiate baseball.

Paul was a great husband, father and grandfather. He had legions of friends, and he was a friend to so many. He was well-known beyond baseball circles, as he and his wife Laurie, daughter Kate and son Pete were volunteers and members of the Chatham and Lower Cape communities. The passion for the town of Chatham was matched by Paul's passion for his Chatham baseball team. Each year, the Galops hosted multiple players and immediately invited them into their family, as well as all other players on the A's, and in most cases the players became lifetime friends. They sought Paul's advice, and, forever the father, he took each player under his wing and supported them however needed.

While his advice would often come with a joke or a one-liner, it was Paul's way of demonstrating his friendship. He could use his humor to provide a welcome or a good-bye, and to calm anyone down or lift them up. It was Paul's gift to the world and one that anyone fortunate enough to know him will always cherish.

Paul's gift to the Chatham A's came at a wonderful moment in the team's history. Three championships were won in the 1990s, but it was Paul's contributions off the field that demonstrated his hard work, creativity and energy. Paul always had ideas of how to improve the experience of fans. He created relationships with many. As it became more difficult to finance the operation of the team, Paul ' along with his close friend and counterpart, Peter Troy ' tried a variety of methods to increase revenues. Whether it was bringing in a wide variety of merchandise or holding a Comedy Night fundraiser, Paul had an endless supply of ideas.

Paul was everyone's friend, but his true love was his wife Laurie and his immediate family. He served as the model of unconditional love and a role model for every husband, father and grandfather. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to each one of them. He was so deeply proud of all of them.

Knowing Paul made everyone's life better, and we will miss him deeply. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Godspeed Paulie G., our long-time friend and role model.

' Bob Sherman, Vice President Chatham Athletic Association on behalf of the Chatham Athletic Association and Chatham Anglers. My personal thanks to Todd Singelyn (1994), John Schiffner, Gus Quattlebaum (1996) and Matt Hyde for their assistance.