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Cooperstown’s Paul Kuhn died Thursday, June 2. Best known as the village’s Santa Claus, Kuhn had a love for Cooperstown that extended to his childhood. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com).

‘Cooperstown’s
Santa Claus,’

Paul Kuhn
dies June 2, 2021

STAFF REPORT • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

Family and friends of Paul Kuhn have confirmed Cooperstown’s Santa Claus for decades died Wednesday, June 2, with his wife Mary Margaret by his side.

Kuhn, 83, had been suffering from heart failure and pulmonary fibrosis this spring.

According to a Community Graduate Program biography of Kuhn, he “was born in Glen Cove, New York in 1938. He grew up in a modest Catholic home during World War II with his older brother and parents. He received his first introduction to Cooperstown in 1945, after his family rented out their home and spent the majority of their time at a summer camp in Cooperstown, where his father worked. This camp became an integral part of his family’s life, and Kuhn served as a counselor there until he graduated from college. After graduating from Villanova University in Philadelphia, Kuhn served in the military, then returned to work at an insurance company for several years in Philadelphia where he met his wife, Mary Margret Kuhn. Once they retired, Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn moved to Cooperstown where they became important members of the community. Mr. Kuhn worked at The Farmers’ Museum as an interpreter in Bump Tavern for 17 years and as Santa Claus for 16 years.”

Kuhn’s full obituary will be posted later and will appear in next week’s edition of The Freeman’s Journal.

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8 Comments

  1. A friend to all who loved our village, especially the kids, has left us. Thanks for everything Paul.

  2. We are so sorry, and had no idea he was already an octogenarian! So vibrant and young did he appear. Heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him and his wife, which is nearly everyone in Coooerstown.

  3. Thank you Paul for all the beautiful memories for our community and especially for our children. You have created a wonderful heritage for us all both as an interpreter and as our most beloved Santa.

  4. Paul Kuhn was man who loved the Lord with all his heart, all of his mind, all of his soul and all his strength!
    He was integral part of my 6 children’s lives growing up in the late 90’s-2000’s.
    An honorable loving man that will be well mourned and greatly missed!
    See you in paradise Paul!

    Susanne Cambriello

  5. He brought so much happiness and cheer to others, especially the kids of Cooperstown. A life well lived. Paul will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to friends and loved ones.

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