David H. Paris, age 63, of Pembroke, passed away on February 10, 2010 at Brockton Hospital. He was the loving husband of Mary (Donovan) Paris. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Isadore and Sarah (Dubinsky) Paris, and step-son of the late Ada (Pransky) (Lester) Paris. He was a graduate of Dorchester High School and attended Quincy Junior College. He retired this year from the Gillette Company in South Boston. He served in the US Air Force from 1967 through 1971. During the Vietnam War, he flew rescue missions into North and South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. He was married to Mary Ellen (Donovan) Paris for 41 years.
David had been a member of the Hanover VFW Post 9026, where is was the first Vietnam Veteran elected as Commander. He was also a member and past commander of the Josslyn-Cummings American Legion Post in Hanover. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for the children’s Christmas parties at both organizations for many years, as well as serving as Parade Marshall for the Memorial Day parades. David was also a member of the Rockland Aerie of Eagles and the Upland Sportsman’s Club of Plympton.
In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Karin Paris of Halifax, his grandchildren Jillian and Jacob Paris, his uncle and aunt Louis and Elizabeth Paris of Westwood, his devoted mother-in-law Mrs. George L. (Mary P.) Donovan of Brockton, his sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and extended family Dominic, Beth, Olivia, and Holly Turini of Plymouth.
David’s family would like to offer sincere thanks and praise to the members of the Pembroke Fire Department, the staff of the Brockton Hospital Emergency Room and Critical Care Unit, and coordinators of the New England Organ Bank. The care extended to David and his family was exceptional.
David’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 am at St. Joseph the Worker Church 1 Maquan St. Hanson, MA 02341. Burial with military honors in Central Cemetery, Halifax. Visiting hours in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont St. (Rte 123)Brockton Friday 3-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his name to the Reverend William F., Dorothy R, Mary J. Donovan and John F. Sheehan Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund, Advancement Office, Cardinal Spellman High School, 738 Court Street, Brockton, MA. 02302, or to Veterans Support Foundation® 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.