Remembering Paul Hurley

Paul Robert Hurley – my dearest friend, wusband, father of my children, colleague, and real estate mentor – died peacefully (and unexpectedly) in his sleep on March 27, 2026. There are so many reasons I am grieving his loss, but today I’m focusing on the real estate aspect.

Paul is the one who encouraged me to take a run at being a Realtor. He had gotten his license about a year earlier and thought it might suit me. I didn’t believe him for one second. But here I am nearly 40 years later!

He and I worked together as partners during the middle years of my career, yet he was my coach, confidante and head cheerleader through it all. Paul taught me how to negotiate – by looking for the shared truth in every situation. He reminded me continually to keep my eye on the prize, which was supporting my client’s progress, not earning a commission. Whenever I encountered an obstacle, he was there to problem solve and strategize. And when it came to real estate financing, tax laws and other real estate trouble, he was smarter and a more flexible thinker than nearly all the financial planners and lawyers I know. 

Paul was proactive in his practice and dedicated to serving his clients. I know for a fact that he enabled a LOT of people to make a LOT of money on their real estate. And he helped a lot of people buy property who – without his advice, vigilance, encouragement and creativity – would never have become homeowners. That’s the plain truth. 

I really don’t know what I’ll do without him. (Hopefully I was paying attention during those four decades.) I – we – all miss him so much.

To learn more about Paul’s life and to see photos and memories posted by others, please visit his memorial website.