Ellington Obituary: Paul Peters, 80

Paul J. Peters of Ellington entered into eternal life with family by his side on Feb. 19th, 2016 at the age of 80.

Paul was born to Catherine and Edward Peters on April 11, 1935 in Hartford. Paul was a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, great uncle, brother, co-worker and friend. He was gregarious, honorable, had a relentless work ethic and an incredible sense of humor. Paul was an avid sports fan, a diehard Red Sox fan and loved to follow UConn women’s basketball. He wasn’t just a spectator though - he was a great downhill skier - skiing last spring at the age 80! He also played baseball, was a swim instructor, fantastic dancer and played golf for much of his life.

He always sought to leave people with a good feeling and he did a very good job of this where ever he was - with family, friends or co-workers. He was the rock for his children - always inspiring them to have courage and persist and pointing out the positives of even the most challenging situations. His humor kept everyone around him laughing and uplifted no matter what the circumstances.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Edward Peters, beloved Carol Wesoloskie and brother-in-law Paul Charette. He is survived by his four children Patrick Peters and wife Mindy, Laurie Montanez, Paul J. Peters Jr. and Lynn St. Pierre and six grandchildren A.J., Christina and Joshua Montanez, Joshua Grady, Sabrina and Rebecca Peters; Carol’s sons Todd and Cory Wesoloskie and their families; sister Maureen Condron and husband Edward, their daughter Kathy Hearn and daughters Annie, Shannon, Katie and Kelly, son Tom Condron and children Justin, Joshua and Kayla; sister Jane Charette and her children Denise DeForge, Michelle, Mark, Janine Tayag, David, Christopher, Matthew, Aimee Ossman and their families; sister-in-law Patty Peters and her daughters Susan, Sharon and her sons Sean and Matthew Gibala.

Paul proudly served his country in the US Navy from age 17-21 operating and maintaining communications equipment. He traveled the world with the navy and developed lifetime friendships with George Saunders and Donald Luneau - “the three musketeers”. After returning from service he met his first wife Barbara Cowles and they were married in 1957. They and their four children lived in Enfield, where they owned the Jack and Jill Preschool and summer camp and Paul managed the local Courant office.

Paul was a great cook and later had an industrial catering company for many years. Then he used his magnanimous personality as a car salesman at Lipman Chevrolet in East Hartford. Finally, Paul worked at National Car Rentals at Bradley International Airport for many years until his recent illness. This was his favorite job because of the people he worked with.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 27th, 2016 at 12:30pm at St. Catherine Catholic Church, 6 Windsorville Road at Rye St, Broad Brook, next door to the town hall. Burial will follow in St. Adalbert’s Cemetery at Belmont Avenue and Summer Street in Enfield.

Memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to The Christian Children’s Fund, www.childfund.org.