John M. Paquin, 68, of Woonsocket died peacefully Monday September 1, 2025 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston surrounded by the love of his family. He was the loving husband of Beatrice M. “Bea” (McLauchlan) Paquin. If you knew John then you knew to call him “J.P.”
Born in Woonsocket he was a son of the late Edward and Aline (Therrien) Paquin. A lifelong city resident, he was a graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy. J.P. was employed as a chef and bartender for several area restaurants including Christopher’s, the Bocce Club and Le Club Par-X. J.P.’s strong work ethic and easy going manner endeared him to his coworkers and customers alike. He also worked for CVS/Mark Stevens for several years before retiring.
J.P. was a longtime active member of several organizations in the community including the Cercle Laurier and Par-X.
You would be hard pressed to find a more loyal Boston sports team fan than J.P. The cycle of his year revolved around when the Bruins and Celtics took to the ice or the parquet court in the winter, all the way until to the leaves turn in the fall as the Patriots took to the gridiron. The “Boys of Summer” were the stuff of J.P.’s life. A Red Sox man through and through J.P. lived and died with the Sox from opening day until whenever and however the season ended. The Sox of October 2004 will forever be a highlight for J.P. – he lived to see his Sox break their 86 year long dry spell and win a World Series (and did it a few more times too) – take that New York!
J.P. had a special place in his heart for all the animals and pets of his neighbors at his home base at Kennedy Manor. J.P. loved being a grandfather and was affectionately known as "Poppo". He even was in on a fantasy football league with his grandsons.
J.P. was something of a one-man pundit as he kept tabs on his other favorite sport – politics, be it state, national or more in tune with J.P.’s style the local political scene. J.P. was a well-known caller to area radio stations both WOON and WNRI. He was rather forthright with his opinions and ideas on how things should or could be done. J.P. always had the best interest of his hometown at heart.
J.P. had a fierce independent streak to him. While he was never one to ask for help, he readily gave his help and support to anyone in need.
J.P. will be remembered as a reserved and quiet person upon initial meeting but once you got to know him, you would become fast friends. J.P. was a friendly and talkative person who was on your side through thick and thin.
J.P. is survived by his wife Bea and his step-children who he loved as his own Donald MacNeill and Jennifer MacNeill and her husband Lincoln Parrott all of Woonsocket and Cindy Stepanian and her husband Nicholas of North Smithfield. He was the brother of Suzanne Wheeler of Asheville, North Carolina.
J.P. was the proud grandfather of Cassandra, Dacia, Jared, Kailey, David, Lauren, Sophia, Kaitlyn and Matthew and great-grandfather of Martha’lyn, Jenalene, David Jr. and Amiylah.
Everyone is welcome to gather to honor and remember J.P.’s wonderful and enduring legacy at visiting hours on Sunday September 7th from 3:00-6:00 pm at Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket.
His funeral will be Monday September 8th at 9 am from Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Precious Blood Church, Carrington Ave. Woonsocket. J.P. will be laid to rest in the family lot at St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery in Bellingham.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of J.P.’s love, care and concern for others the family suggest that memorial donations may be made to the Make-A- Wish Foundation of Rhode Island at www.wish.org.
www.menardfuneralhome.com