Michel Benedict St. Paul

Michel B. St. Paul, resident of Hyde Park, passed away peacefully at his home on October 2, 2026, at the age of 73. He was the husband of the late Claudette St. Paul for almost 40 years, and the loving father of Monique St. Paul and the late Rachelle St. Paul. He is survived by his dear mother, Vesta St. Paul, and younger siblings Vilaire, Pierre, Jude, Michelle, Nadege, and Darcelle St. Paul. He was preceded in death by his father, Adrien St. Paul, and brother Gardy Fritz St. Paul, Sr.

Affectionately known to his family as Bené, Michel was born on May 8, 1953 in Haiti. A man who lived his life fully, he balanced a career as a bus driver for the Boston Public Schools with leisure, learning, and family time. Michel found great joy in proving to his daughters that he was “hip” by knowing the lyrics to popular songs (a talent he gained by listening to students singing on the bus each day). He insisted on singing those songs at top volume, much to the disappointment of his family. When not singing, he still kept the volume up on Haitian music that he made into mixtapes and CDs of his favorite songs. When his family had enough, he was asked to use headphones, to which he begrudgingly obliged.

After work and on weekends, Michel maintained an active lifestyle, often biking for several miles, exercising in his home gym, or walking with his wife along the paths at Roger Williams Park and Zoo. He lovingly tended to the garden in front of his home, in awe of the various insects that found food and homes among the plants. He used his computer to keep up with the latest technology, and of course, to research organic juice recipes for different health remedies.

In more recent years, he and his wife would cruise multiple times a year to various destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico. He loved learning from his travels, and often asked his tour guides about the local economy, cuisine, and daily living.

Despite his illness, Michel maintained his fierce independence, and often noted that things could be worse. He was a kind man who simply wanted to enjoy each day with good food, exercise and the people he loved.

Visitation for Michel will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Folsom Funeral Home (87 Milton St, Dedham, MA), followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (1548 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA). A private interment will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Roslindale.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a local community garden or the American Heart Association in Michel’s honor.