Paul J. Riordan, 80, of Auburn, died June 11th in St. Vincent Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary E. (Murphy) Riordan; his son Kevin P. Riordan and his wife, Doreen R. of Scarborough, ME; three brothers, Robert Riordan of Worcester, William Riordan and his wife, Maureen of Shrewsbury and John Riordan and his wife, Janice of Fuquay-Varina, NC; several nephews and nieces; and his faithful cat, Clancy.
He was born in Worcester, the son of John and Nancy (Hassett) Riordan. Mr. Riordan was a 1952 graduate of North High School, The College of the Holy Cross and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Worcester State and later a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Assumption College. He had worked as a teacher in Winchendon and Natick, and later as a guidance counselor for 29 years at the Holliston Middle School. Mr. Riordan also taught psychology at Quinsigamond Community College and Becker College. He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Massachusetts Retired Teachers Association. His pastimes included golf, travel, antique car shows, watching old movies, and he had insatiable appetite for reading. Mr. Riordan was a former Auburn Town Meeting member and was active in many political campaigns in Auburn; he was also involved with the Auburn Project. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and could always be found on St. Patrick’s Day, along with his son enjoying the fellowship of the Maine Police Emerald Societies, St. Patrick’s Day party.
Most recently, Paul enjoyed spending time at his condo in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. One of his favorite activities was listening to the police scanner while his son, a patrol sergeant, was on duty. He was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed professional basketball, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Red Sox, although this year the Sox were testing his patience.
His funeral is Monday, June 15th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. John’s Church, 40 Temple Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, June 14th from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or contributions made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.