Paul Lincoln (Linc) Cornell Jr. of Washington, Conn. died peacefully with family by his side on June 17. He was 92.

He was born on June 23, 1930 in New York City to Ruth Hull Cornell and Paul Lincoln Cornell Sr, an advertising executive and politician.

He attended The Buckley School and graduated from Phillips Academy – Andover in the class of 1948 and Yale University in the class of 1952. At college, he was an All-American varsity lacrosse player, a member of the Wolf’s Head Society and the ROTC program.

He entered the U.S. Air Force and earned the rank of first lieutenant while serving as a fighter jet pilot. He made his first dead-stick landing over Texas while listening to the Harvard-Yale football game. He also flew under the George Washington Bridge, although he never acknowledged this maneuver.

Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Lynette Maxwell. He attended the University of Connecticut Law School while building homes to pay for school. He graduated in 1958. In 1960, he opened his law practice and worked for more than 50 years in Washington Depot as a real estate attorney.

Engaged in the community, Linc was the “senator” of Washington. He devoted himself to his family, the town, schools and helping those in need. After the hurricane and flood of 1955, he helped clean out stores, restore homes and raise money to rebuild the town. He also served as Washington’s probate judge, zoning board chairman and worked with the parks and recreation commission.

A humble man, he received numerous awards for his generosity and commitment to his community.

As a trustee of the Eaglebrook School and lifelong benefactor of the Rumsey Hall School, he recognized the need to help students reach their dreams of higher education. He served as president of the Washington Scholarship Fund since its inception in 1965 and with his stewardship the fund has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to more than 700 graduates of local high schools.

He was also chairman of National Iron Bank and served on the bank board for more than 40 years.

Linc was happiest spending time with family and lifelong friends. He was a kind and empathetic soul who had the unique ability to make you feel special. He was extremely generous, treated everyone as family and positively changed the lives of many.

He enjoyed ice cold Coca-Cola while watching the N.Y. Giants, Yale football games and the N.Y. Rangers. He could often be seen cruising around town in his ‘61 T-bird or water skiing on Lake Waramaug. An avid tennis player, Linc and Lynette enjoyed spending mornings at the courts with friends.

Starting in the early 1960s, Paul spent every summer on the Vineyard, boating and riding his moped around East Chop. The Vineyard was the site of many special memories: East Chop, Swish, Bloody Marys, Nancy’s and picnics on Cape Pogue. He was a member of the East Chop Yacht Club and the East Chop Tennis and Beach Club for more than 50 years. He owned several homes and properties on East Chop.

Linc was the beloved husband of Lynette, known as Mother, for more than 68 years; a loving father to Linc 3rd and his wife Lois, Steven and his wife Sally, Michael and his wife Athina and Melinda her husband Kevin. His 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his nieces, Katherine Hull Cook, Karen Case Cook, Allison Cook Cutshall, and his beloved Gene Baslow.

He was predeceased by his wife Lynette, sister Agnes Cornell Cook and brother in law Jeff Wilcox Cook.

As were his wishes, services will be held privately.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Washington Scholarship Fund at washscholarshipfund.org.