Fernand J. “Joe” Paul, 83 died Saturday September 9, 2017 at the Rhode Island Veteran’s Home in Bristol. He was the loving husband of the late Jeanne (Lacroix) Paul.
Born and raised in Manville he was a son of the late Arthur and Philomena (Desjardins) Paul. He lived in the Woonsocket and North Smithfield area for most of his life.
Mr. Paul was a United States Army Veteran and served as a courier in the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations
Service Medal.
Joe was employed as a construction supervisor for many years and was member of the Carpenters Union Local 94.
Along with his wife, Joe was a longtime communicant of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs parish and volunteered at the OLQM summer carnival. He was a skilled woodworker, enjoyed the challenge of jigsaw puzzles, and trips to Canada especially snowmobiling.
Joe will be remembered as an exemplary gentleman. A patient, kind and humble person he was always considerate of those around. Although he did not have children of his own Joe took delight in the wonder and joy of children.
He is survived by his sister Muriel Durand and her husband Joseph of North Carolina. He was the brother of the late Therese Durocher, Juliette Petrin, Cecile Blackman and Jeannette Berard. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families including niece and goddaughter Muriel Prentice and her husband Thomas and their family with whom he resided before moving to the Veterans Home.
His funeral will be Friday at 8:30 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Our Lady Queen of Martyr’s Church, Park Ave. Woonsocket. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery, Bellingham. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the RI Veterans Home 480 Metacom Ave. Bristol, RI. 02809.
www.menardfuneralhome.com