Raymond J. Paradis, 95, of Kensington, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on July 10, 2021. He had survived his wife of 70 years, the late Susan (Jacobs) Paradis. Born in Sanford, Maine, he was a son of the late Liguori and Zemma (Haggan) Paradis.
Raymond, Susan, and their family of five children, were Kensington residents for over 50 years. Raymond was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, New Britain, where he enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher and was also active in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, where he was a leader in troops of both New Britain and Berlin. Raymond was an avid golfer and member of the Berlin Parks and Recreation Committee, overseeing the construction of the Timberlin Golf Course in Berlin. Raymond was proud of his service in the U.S. Navy during the second World War, both at sea in the Pacific theater and the occupation of Japan. Raymond had a long love of the outdoors and hunting, in which he enjoyed and tested his skills with both rifle and bow, especially at Falls Village, CT.
Raymond was trained as a skilled tool and die maker, and was fascinated with all things mechanical during his long career. He enjoyed the work and many lasting friendships he made at Ultimate Wireforms, and especially while at the Mill All and All Five tool companies. He was not one to be idle, and refused to "retire" until he was 90 years old. His work ethic set an example to his family. Raymond also enjoyed wood carving, cultivating his flower gardens, cooking, and country music, especially, Willie Nelson.
Throughout his life, family was a priority. He reveled in celebrating family events and enjoyed visiting, spending time with those he loved so dearly. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and neighbors. Raymond was the last of four brothers to pass away. He exemplified his brothers Norman and Clifton, all mourned by this greater family who loved them and knew them for the joy they bestowed to us all, over the years of their lives.
Raymond is survived by his five children, Richard Paradis of Williamsburg, VA; David and Pat Paradis of Estero, FL and Middletown, CT; Robert and Janice Paradis of Plantsville, CT; Linda and Greg Makowski of Avon, CT; and Debra and Keith Czarnecki of Old Lyme, CT; six grandchildren, Jill, Colin, Alex, Bailey, Emily and Adam; 6 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held on August 12, 2021, 10 AM, at Saint Patrick Church, 110 Main Street, Farmington, CT. Military Honors will take place at the church following the memorial service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Please share a memory of Raymond with the family in the online guestbook at www.ericksonhansenberlin.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Raymond J. Paradis, please visit our floral store.