LONGMEADOW - Paul M. Kononitz, of Longmeadow, was Called Safely Home on New Year's Day, Monday, January 1, 2018. He passed into Eternal Life at home surrounded by the care and comfort of his beloved wife, his loving family and his many dear friends. He was born in Springfield, the beloved son of the late Paul and Elizabeth (Mack) Kononitz. At a young age, Paul lost his mother and was raised by his father and his paternal grandmother, Lukerja, in Springfield. He was a 1957 graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield. He was an outstanding varsity football, baseball and basketball player and also was the Senior Class President. He was inducted into the Cathedral High School Hall of Fame for his athletic excellence. He was the recipient of a full athletic scholarship and furthered his education at the University of Connecticut where he received Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education. During his leisure time, Paul enjoyed writing poetry. He was employed by the City of Springfield as a Middle School Special Education Teacher. He was a resident of Springfield and moved to Longmeadow in 2000. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield and Saint Mary Church in Longmeadow. He leaves his beloved wife, Carol A. (Carpenali) Kononitz. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Springfield and were blessed with over 32 years of happiness together. He also leaves his cherished godchildren, Talliah Cork, Sasha Gayle, Lucy and Hailong “Noah” Piao, and Troy Hofnagle; and his many dear friends. His family will receive friends on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. which will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Church, 519 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA 01106. His Burial will be private at the convenience of his family. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. For those who prefer, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to Feline Friends, Inc., P.O. Box 174, Feeding Hills, MA 01030 or online at: [email protected]. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com