Paul Vincent, Pioneering Attorney in Chaldean Community, Humanitarian, Dies at 78

When Paul Vincent, one of the Chaldean community's first attorneys, became sick last year, he was philosophical. "If this is the end for me, I can accept that. I have lived a long and fulfilling life," he said. Indeed, Paul, who died at the age of 78 on January 17, 2020, positively affected the lives of others in vast and impactful ways.

Born in Tel Kaif, Iraq, Paul immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was nearly 10 years old. As a young immigrant in America, he faced no shortage of barriers.

But Paul was tenacious.

Throughout his schooling, he overcame language and cultural hurdles, ascending to the top of his class at Wayne State University's law school. After law school, he started his own practice and married his devoted wife Michele who, throughout their nearly 50-year marriage, anchored him in every arena. Together they had three children: Renee, Steven, and Robyn.

Paul's unwavering passion for justice and equity led him to carve multiple paths that would improve people's lives. In his law office, that meant accepting a healthy amount of pro bono casework and giving a voice to the unheard. Outside of the office, it meant helping people who were suffering more than 6,000 miles away from his Southeast Michigan home.

During the first Gulf War, Paul became increasingly distraught as he contemplated the immense human toll. So he launched the nonprofit organization Victims of War to import medicine and food to Iraqi civilians suffering under U.S sanctions. He traveled back to his war-torn home country multiple times and partnered with the Red Cross to distribute supplies to those who needed it.

Back in the U.S., amid rising tensions toward Iraqi-Americans, he became a tireless advocate for peace in the Middle East. He met with high ranking officials, from President Bill Clinton to Iraqi diplomats positioned near Saddam Hussein. Appearing on local, national and international news programs, he reminded viewers that it was Iraqi children paying the greatest price. His efforts led him to far-flung countries throughout Africa to procure food and medicine and forced him to pause much of his law practice.

When he finally returned to the office, Paul was eager to revive his work as a trial lawyer defending the marginalized. Still, he remained connected to what was happening in Iraq as his law practice continued to flourish. For respite from the stressors of running his own law practice, Paul could be found on the green. Golfing with longtime friends was a weekend pleasure and Paul would mold his son Steven and grandson Dominic into formidable golfers, too.

Even as he grew older, Paul remained fiercely dedicated to his work, nurturing what would become a 50-year career. When Steven joined him to practice law in 2008, it was a point of pride for Paul who loved watching his family achieve and grow. He watched his daughter Renee become a teacher and work toward a PhD, and his daughter Robyn cultivate a journalism career.

It was Paul's grandchildren who also brought him significant joy. He described Iris, Ana, Dominic, Cecilia, and Lily as "the light of his life."

Paul is survived by his wife Michele; daughters Renee and Robyn; son Steven (Nicole); grandchildren Iris, Ana, Dominic, Cecilia and Lily; siblings; sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; nieces; nephews and cousins.

A memorial mass for Paul Vincent is
10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at
Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church in Southfield, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the
Chaldean Community Foundation