Mark Christopher Paul, AIA, a longtime Center City resident known for his generosity and love of architecture, passed away peacefully at home on November 13, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 66.
Born and raised in East Hartford, Connecticut, Mark was the son of the late Dr. George and Ann Paul. He studied at Penn State University, earning both his college degree and his professional license through the School of Architecture. After graduation he made Philadelphia his home, starting his career with Charles Broudy & Associates before founding his own firm, Pomegranate, LLC.
He worked on a wide range of projects throughout his career, but many remember him most for the way he mentored younger architects. His door was always open and he lifted people up with patience, humor, and genuine interest in their growth.
Mark lived life with enthusiasm. He loved woodworking, riding his Ducati, and playing the guitar. He was also a devoted Beatles fan, once surprising a radio station crew by knowing every lyric they challenged him with during a street contest.
He and his wife, Mur Sherman Hayman, shared a home filled with creativity. Mur is an artist, and together they built a collection of artwork they loved displaying. They were devoted dog parents and passionate travelers, exploring France, other parts of Europe, and New Zealand with close friends.
To those who knew him, Mark was a source of steady warmth. His kindness, easy smile, and legendary bear hugs made people feel seen and welcomed, whether they were family, friends, or someone he met along the way.
Mark was a devout Greek Orthodox Christian and a member of St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill. He had recently begun taking Greek classes with pride in his heritage.
Mark and Mur were together for 41 years. He is survived by his stepdaughter Ashley Hayman and granddaughter Laila; his sister Stacy Kardos and her children, Theone and Paul (with wife Sierra); his brother George Paul and wife Ellen; and his sister Thalia O’Gorman and husband Tom and their children Philip (with wife Sydney), Emily, Christian, and William. He is also survived by Ann and Jim Riley and their children, Katie and Jake.
Services will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Joseph Levine & Sons, 4737 Street Road, Trevose, PA. The service can be viewed live online through the funeral home’s chapel.
Interment will be private.
Following the service, family and friends are invited to a luncheon at Ristorante Toscana 52 in Trevose. A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned for the coming months.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s memory may be made to Puppies Behind Bars.