Paul M.

May

Paul Malcolm May, 99, of Lemoyne, passed away peacefully in the evening on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026. Born Paul MacGillivray on April 1, 1927, Paul was the son of Doan (Duncan) MacGillivray, who emigrated from the Isle of Mull, Scotland, and Esther Yachmann MacGillivray, who emigrated from the Minsk area. The daughter of a rabbi, Esther was living in the Salvation Army barracks in New York City when she met Duncan at Sing Sing prison, where they were both volunteers with the prison ministry.

Growing up during the Great Depression in Jersey City, Paul was the youngest of four children in a religious family. When Paul was 10 years old, he lost his father Duncan, a sailor who died at sea. The family owned nothing and had very little money, but Paul recalled that his early years were happy, as no one else in his neighborhood owned anything or had any money.

As soon as he could in 1944, Paul volunteered to join the U.S. Navy. Although Paul told the recruiter that his father and grandfather were sailors, and his older brother David was serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, Paul was told: “that’s nice son, but your Uncle Sam needs you in the Army.” In fact, Paul was selected for and enlisted in the Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps, likely because he was proficient in languages. He distinguished himself during and after World War II, and was known as “Flash” and “Mac.” Paul was stationed at Camp King near Bad Homburg, Germany, where he served during German Occupation after World War II. Paul enjoyed recounting his missions in Germany and other countries. It was during this time that Paul developed the “legend” of “Paul May” which was a common English name shortened from his Scottish birth name MacGillivray; such legends with cover and backstopping were common in the CIC.

Paul returned to the United States and became a CPA after earning an Accounting degree at Ohio University on the GI Bill, and then worked at an Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan, around the time of the Korean War. Paul also taught Accounting for the University of California to undergraduate students in Japan. Paul enjoyed recounting his many experiences in Japan, chief among them was his many days of sailing by himself on Tokyo Bay.

Upon returning to the United States for the second time, Paul opened his own CPA practice, became a licensed stockbroker, and engaged in various businesses, including a record label with a factory to produce vinyl records.

Paul met his wife, Desdemona Maisto, the youngest of 9 children of Italian immigrants, who went by “Demi,” and before they were married, Paul legally changed his name to “Paul May.” They had children and settled in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Outside of work, Paul threw himself into his main hobby, which was sailing. He acquired a racing sailboat, membership in a Yacht Club, and competed in ocean sailing races, including the non-stop three (3) day “Texas Triangle” Race, which was a marathon from New York Harbor to Camp May to Montauk Point and back to New York Harbor.

Paul was hospitalized when he was 44 years old, and on the advice of his mother, Paul liquidated all of his businesses and holdings, and moved the family to Pennsylvania, where he recovered from his illness. Paul went back to work for the federal government, and began a new career as an agent for the IRS. He enjoyed his work, as he was always out “in the field” and never in an office building, and he was able to work past normal retirement age.

Paul was predeceased by his wife, Desdemona (Demi), who died in 2008. Surviving are his daughter, Janet Baxley, of Lemoyne, his son, Robert May & wife Karen May, of Lemoyne, and four grandsons, Alan Baxley of Lemoyne, Jonathan Baxley of Arlington, VA, David May of New York City, and Andrew May of Baldwinsville, NY.

Paul had many interests and hobbies, including classical music, chess, contract bridge, ballroom dancing, various VFW and American Legion posts, and his Scottish and Jewish heritage - he enjoyed going to annual Robbie Burns dinners, and participating in various Jewish federations. Paul was a student of German language and culture and Japanese language and culture. Paul was also was a dedicated Christian who belonged to many churches over his long lifetime.

A funeral service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, with a visitation, military color guard ceremony, and luncheon at the church, to which all will be welcome. When all services are finalized, details will be updated and posted here. Paul will be laid to rest in the Trinity Lutheran Church Columbarium, where his ashes will be placed with those of his wife, Demi.