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Paul Pacheco graced our lives all too briefly, but for his many friends around Woodstock and across the country, he will be remembered always as a creative soul who can form a lasting friendship with the very first handshake.
Paul passed away July 20, 2009, after yet another courageous battle with the prostate cancer he fought off twice before. Born December 8, 1947, he lived a full, albeit too short, life. He may have explored ancient sunken ships as a professional scuba diver, or made his mark in various small business ventures, but it was as musician, friend and Woodstock Music Shop employee that many of us knew him best.
After fighting back cancer some years ago, Paul moved to Woodstock to be near his brother, folk legend Tom Pacheco. During the years, he played with Tom frequently -- on stage and in the studio. The photo above (Paul is on the left) was taken during a holiday performance at the Colony Cafe in Woodstock two years ago.
Paul was a fine guitar and bass player. In 1966, he and his brother formed the Raggamuffins, leaving their New England roots behind to move to Greenwich Village. The teenagers quickly found themselves opening for Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. Paul would occasionally fill in for Jimmy's bass player. Soon after those days, Jimmy James would become Jimi Hendrix.
After serving in the military, Paul returned to the states, where he played with John Lee Hooker before taking on a number of different ventures across the country, including scuba diving in Florida.
But we came to know Paul in the spring of 2008, when he began working at the shop before the cancer returned late that summer. It was too short a tenure. He made friends every day, and he loved being in an environment that reminded him of the music store his father owned and operated in New Bedford, Mass.
He took his time with every friend and customer. He listened. He laughed. He shared stories. He played guitar for friends, musicians and tourists alike. In short, he warmed our little shop. He made it everybody's family room.
To his brother Tom, to his sisters, nieces and nephews, please know how much Paul will be missed, how much he was loved.
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Musical Instruments, 
