Paul F. Heider, Sr., 96, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at Lowell General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 15, 1929, Paul lived a life defined by devotion—to his family, his faith, his community, and his work.
A proud graduate of Brookline High School, Class of 1948, Paul also served his country in the Army National Guard Reserves from 1945 to 1951. A hardworking and dedicated provider, Paul worked various jobs to support his growing family, including 17 years at Raytheon as an experimental-prototype machinist.
In 1969, fulfilling a lifelong dream, Paul founded his own business, Paul Heider, General Contractor. He built a respected reputation throughout the region, working with homeowners and commercial businesses alike—excavating, installing dry wells and septic systems, sweeping parking lots, and snow plowing. His strong work ethic and leadership laid the foundation for what would later become Heider Construction, a proud family business passed down to his sons.
Paul was a devoted parishioner of St. William’s Church in Tewksbury and an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4336. His service and commitment to his faith community culminated in his leadership as Grand Knight during 1983–1984, and later as a 4th Degree Knight with the Fr. Delaney Council of Lowell.
One of Paul’s greatest joys in life was trains. Alongside his beloved wife, Norma, he transformed their home into a wonderland of seasonal train displays. The miniature villages, cars, trucks, and festive decorations brought joy not only to their family but to all who visited.
Above all, Paul was a family man. He leaves behind the one and only love of his life, Norma, with whom he shared 74 beautiful years of marriage. He was the cherished father of seven children: Paul F. Heider of Christiana, TN; Michael and Kathryn Heider of Winter Haven, FL; Gene and Diana Heider of Hudson, NH; Kathaleen (Heider) Crosby of Tewksbury, MA; Joseph and Maryellen Heider of Chelmsford, MA; Daniel and Paula Heider of Nashua, NH; and James Heider and Melissa Kandrotas of Tewksbury, MA. Paul was also blessed with 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his siblings: William Heider, Mary Heider, Joseph Heider (MIA and declared deceased in the Korean War), Rose Cote, Alice Jeffries Flippin, Frances Heider, Esther Milliron, and Veronica Jean Heider.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation.
The Heider family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Fresenius Kidney Care Center of Chelmsford, MA, and Lowell General Hospital for their dedicated care and support.
Paul’s legacy of hard work, faith, and love for his family will live on in all who knew him.
All are welcome to attend his visitation from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA. On Friday, May 16, all are welcome to attend his Funeral Mass which will be offered at 10 a.m. at St. William of York Church. 1351 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA followed by procession for burial at Tewksbury Cemetery. Please use Facebook or visit www.TewksburyFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.
His funeral will be live streamed - Live Streaming Link