Paul Florence (June 1, 1921 - June 18, 2013) was the manager of  the Delft and Nordic Theaters as well as the Marquette Mall Cinema and the Airport Drive-In Theater.

Obituary

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Paul P. Florence, 92, of Marquette, died Tuesday morning, June 18, 2013, at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans with his family at his side.

Paul was born on June 1, 1921, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in an Italian neighborhood, a son of the late James and Nellie (Kamon) Florence. He was a graduate of Sault Ste. Marie High School.

From 1941-1945, Paul proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II in New Guinea and the Philippines. He received a Purple Heart and a Distinguished Unit Badge as a result of his service.

Paul worked at the Sault movie theatres eventually moving in Marquette in 1967 where he managed the Delft and Nordic Theaters as well as the Marquette Mall Cinema and the Airport Drive-In Theater.

In his free time, Paul loved to play golf and cribbage, teaching his family the finer points of the game. He was known to be an avid "fixer-up-er" and always maintained a good sense of humor.

He is survived by two children, Paul (Ann) Florence of Frankfort, IN and Lynne (Wayne) Finman of Marquette; three grandchildren, Lanni Lantto, Jared (Beth) Florence and Lathan (Cathy) Florence; two great grandchildren, Savannah and Victoria Florence; one sister, Marie Paquette of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; also several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his parents was his beloved wife, Frances (Perry) Florence on June 21, 1997, as well as a brother, Fred Florence.

Visitation will be held on Monday in the Bishop's Room of St. Peter's Cathedral beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the cathedral at 11 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Monsignor Michael Steber officiating. A luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately following the Mass. Burial will take place in Riverside Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie.

Memorials are preferred to the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855 or the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Mr. Florence's memory.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.