Ugo M. Paparo, age 90, of Brockton, died peacefully March 5, 2015 at Signature Healthcare-Brockton Hospital surrounded by his family. Ugo was the loving husband of Marjorie (Anderson) Paparo. Born in Brockton, he was the son of the late Joseph and Grace (Celia) Paparo. Ugo was loved by many and was extremely proud of his many accomplishments. In 1943, his last year of high school, he left and joined the Army and recruited 23 close neighborhood friends to enlist with him. He spent the first three months at Colorado State College before being sent overseas to the Philippines. During his tenure there, he helped free prisoners of war in Santa Tamas prison as part of an outfit called the “Grim Reapers.”
Ugo returned to the United States in December of 1945. Upon his return, he reconnected with fellow Brocktonian Dan Miles, who had been a prisoner at Santa Tamas. In an act of gratitude, Mr. Miles offered Ugo a job at Miles Plumbing. He went to work in the plumbing industry and continued that work for over 45 years.
He also participated in many local organizations including the Italian American Club, the Hundred Club, Whitman VFW, and was a member of the Rotary Club of Brockton for over 40 years, during which time he served as President. Along with John Drystat, he was instrumental in starting the downtown Brockton Holiday parade. He also spent 25 years on the Brockton Redevelopment Authority, served for over 20 years on the Board of Development at Stonehill College, and was a longtime member of Thorny Lea Golf Club.
Ugo was married to Marjorie, the love of his life for 64 years. They enjoyed many happy years traveling, skiing, and dancing to the tunes of his favorite icon, Frank Sinatra. Some of Ugo’s favorite memories included two trips to Presidential Inaugural Balls under both Reagan and Bush.
On quieter days, Ugo enjoyed the simple things-working in the yard by the pool or making his signature fried dough. Above anything else, he adored his family. There are no words to possibly express the love he had for those closest to him and this truly special “Grandpa” will live on in the hearts of many.
Ugo is also survived by three children, Glenn Paparo and his wife Debra of Brockton, Gayle Whitney and her husband Ronald of East Bridgewater and Kim Mahoney and her husband Peter of Woodstock, GA; five grandchildren Jaclyn and Adam Abrams of Abington, Kristyn Lennon and her fiancé Stephen Weddleton of Whitman, Michael Lennon of East Bridgewater, Nicholas Mahoney and Katie Mahoney and her fiancé Travis Morris; two great grandchildren Isabella and Noah Abrams; and his sister Flora Dwyer and her husband Charles of Brockton. He was the brother of the late Anthony Paparo.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street, (Rte 123) Brockton Tuesday 4-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home Wednesday at 10am. Burial will be held in the Massachusetts National Cemetery on Thursday. Please consider donations in Ugo’s name to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.