Paul A. Duchaine, 76, of Mattapoisett died January 22, 2006 at Massachusetts General Hospital after a brief illness surrounded by his family.
He was the husband of Jeannine M. (LaVault) Duchaine, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Joseph P. and Edea (Carrier) Duchaine, he lived in New Bedford and Mattapoisett all of his life.
Mr. Duchaine was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett.
He was president of the family business, Sunbeam Bread, for 34 years before retiring in 1995. He was a graduate of Cranwell Preparatory School, class of 1947, and Providence College, class of 1951. He also received a degree from the American Baking Institute in Chicago.
Mr. Duchaine was a very generous supporter of the Catholic Charities Appeal, Catholic Education and many other local charities. In 1995, he was the recipient of the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River for his years of service to his parish.
He was an avid fisherman and tennis player.
Mr. Duchaine was a former member of the original 100 Club, the Country Club of New Bedford, the Sippican Tennis Club and was a former director of the Merchants National Bank.
He was the original owner and operator of radio station WBSM.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, David Duchaine, and his wife Monette, and Atty. Joseph Duchaine, and his wife Lynette, all of Mattapoisett; three daughters, Nina Duchaine, and her husband Atty. Rory Radding, of New York City, Paula Mee, and her husband William, of Marion and Linda Duchaine of Mattapoisett; a sister, Claire Stanley, and her husband Dr. Carl Stanley, of Barrington, RI; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Maurice Duchaine.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, Thursday, January 26th at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Wednesday, January 25th from 4-8 PM.
Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Missionaries of Charity, 556 County St., New Bedford, MA 02740.