Paul W. Lolax, 63, husband of Johanna (Brassard) Lolax, died on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester after a 10-month battle with cancer. Paul was born in New York City, the son of Einar and Signe (Anderson) Lolax. He was raised in Worcester’s Quinsigamond Village.

Paul graduated from South High School in Worcester, then went on to study classical guitar with Aaron Shearer at the Peabody Conservatory in MD. He also studied at Northeastern University and the New England School of Art in Boston, and recently, at Worcester State University. His career as a performer began in 1967 in Boston, where he played solo and backup guitar at local coffeehouses and restaurants, and received accolades from Broadside Magazine as “Best Instrumentalist of the Year” in 1968. During the 1970’s he toured the national college circuit, played in two music groups, and performed as a guitar soloist at numerous events. He was a master guitarist and music instructor for more than 30 years.

Paul was a talented composer, musician, author of music books, visual artist, and poet, who enjoyed art, sculpting, woodcarving, and spending time with his wife and family. He also enjoyed working on computers, volunteering for charitable events, and rescuing abandoned dogs and cats.

Paul most recently worked for Jordan’s Furniture in Natick, where he was a top sales professional, selling nearly $2 million in goods in 2009 and 2010. Previously, he was a top salesman for Rotman’s Furniture in Worcester, where as a member of the “Millionaire’s Club”, he sold $1 million in furniture in 2002 and 2003. Paul formerly worked as a guitar teacher for the Monteverdi Music School in Montpelier, VT, and as a guitarist at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, VT.

He leaves his wife of 14 years, Johanna Lolax; his mother, Signe (Anderson) Johnson; his brother, Richard K. Lolax of Worcester; and two nephews, Daniel Lolax of Worcester and Joshua Lolax of Charlton, and their families.

A private memorial service was held for Paul on Thursday, June 9th at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, followed by burial in the Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Donations may be made in Memory of Paul Lolax to the UMass Memorial Home Hospice Program, Development Office, 333 South Street, 4th Floor, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.