Paul L. Mina, 70, of Brookfield, passed away Friday, May 8, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus following injuries sustained in a car accident.
Paul lived a life centered around people. Whether through his decades of community service, the friendships he built, or the love he gave his family, he had a remarkable ability to make others feel cared for, supported and valued.
Above all else, Paul was devoted to his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Noreen A. (Shea) Mina, whom he met while they were both working at the Lincoln Square Boys Club serving the Worcester community they loved so deeply. Together they built a life rooted in compassion, faith, family and service.
He leaves his three children: Julie Horrigan and her husband Michael of Sturbridge, Joseph Mina and his wife Kwin of Charlton, and Lauren Hiller and her husband Andrew of Jefferson. Nothing brought Paul more pride and happiness than his seven grandchildren, Lindsay, Patrick, Collin, Emily, Grace, Hannah and Vivienne, who were truly the light of his life. He also leaves his brothers, Peter Mina and his wife Cindy of Shrewsbury and Thomas Mina and his wife Sarah of Cambridge, and his brothers-in-law, David Shea and his wife Paula of Worcester, and Mark Shea and his wife Linda of Greenfield, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Born in Portland, Maine, Paul was the son of Sotir and Violet (Peters) Mina and was raised in Worcester. He graduated from Doherty Memorial High School and later attended Southern New Hampshire University. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to helping others, he was awarded an honorary degree from Framingham State University.
Paul dedicated his professional life to strengthening communities and helping those in need. From 1974-1988 he worked for the Worcester Boys & Girls Club as Director of the Lincoln Square Boys Club and Director of Camp Hargrove in Sterling where he became a mentor and role model for generations of young people.
For 38 years Paul worked tirelessly on behalf of the United Way movement locally and worldwide, beginning with United Way of Central Massachusetts in Worcester and the United Way of Assabet Valley in Marlborough. In 1996, Paul began his long and distinguished career as the President & Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Tri-County, where his leadership, vision and compassion greatly expanded the organization’s impact throughout the region. He proudly served in that role until his last day on this earth.
Additionally, in 2006 Paul became President & CEO of Mass 211, and in 2018 assumed the role of President & CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley. Paul served in many leadership roles on numerous volunteer boards throughout Massachusetts and New England. He believed deeply that everyone deserved support, dignity and access to help during difficult times.
Paul grew up in St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church in Worcester and later attended St. Joseph’s Church in Charlton with Noreen, where he remained active and supportive within the parish community.
To those who knew him best, Paul was much more than his titles and professional accomplishments. He was funny, loyal and generous. He was known for his great singing voice. He loved Elvis Presley, had a lifelong fascination with military aviation, and was happiest sitting around the table laughing and telling stories. Paul’s priorities were always in the right place. He coached his kids’ sports teams, went fishing with his grandkids and bought his wife her dream beach house in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Every Christmas he insisted on displaying the tallest tree possible to impress his grandchildren. He was the king of thumb war, and was the first to say, “Krishti u Ngiall!” on Easter before our annual red egg cracking tradition.
Paul’s kindness, guidance and unwavering willingness to help others has left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues and the many lives he touched throughout his life.
His funeral is Friday, May 22nd from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester, with a service at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester. Calling hours are Thursday, May 21st from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Way Tri-County, 46 Park Street #2, Framingham, MA 01701 or your local Boys & Girls Club — two organizations that held a very special place in Paul’s heart. Click Here for the United Way Tribute and Donation Page