Contributions to the tribute of Paul J. Gaumond

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

You've been gone almost 3 years...we are coming up on your most favorite time of the year: Christmas. Not a single person in this world made me appreciate the true meaning of Christmas like you did. I think of you every day. I keep your picture on my dashboard and say hi every time I see it. I feel your grace and presence in everything that I do. I am thankful to have known you and become close with you. That wonderful laugh stays stuck in my head. I miss it so much. I miss you. NO ONE will ever be like you. No one can compare to you. I love you lots. Hope you and Brewster are keeping each other company!!

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ANN FLEMING - ESSEX, CT - FRIEND posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

WE MISS FR PAUL A LOT OUR DAUGHTER TRICIA WAS HIS FIRST WEDDING IN ESSEX HE WAS SO NICE HE WAS HERE ONLY 3 DAYS BEFORE HER WEDDING SHE WAS VERY HAPPY WITH HIM WE WILL MISS HIS GREAT LAUGH ANN A PAT FLEMING

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Brian Lockhart/Erin Marcel - Stratford, CT - Acquaintance posted a condolence

Sunday, January 13, 2013

When the priest at St Joseph's in Chester had a scheduling conflict and couldn't marry us, Father Paul stepped in. He made both of us so comfortable and was just a pleasure to have as part of our day. We were so fortunate to have met him and to have him be part of such a great memory.

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Michele Mize - Cousin posted a condolence

Friday, January 11, 2013

Sending prayers for peace and our deepest sympathy from Fr. Paul's cousins and relatives in Tennessee.

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Lorraine & Robert E. Maloney - A Grateful Family posted a condolence

Friday, January 11, 2013

Everyday we think of another way that Fr. Paul did something special for our family and the parish. We especially thank him for saying "yes" to the awesome role of the priesthood and allowing us to be beneficiaries of grace from the sacraments which he administered to us. Finally, we thank God for the years we had with our dearest Father Paul. We will always hold him close to our hearts.

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Linda Zanghetti Sherman - RI - former FI parishoner posted a condolence

Monday, January 7, 2013

I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family of Father Paul. He was not only a great priest, but a wonderful man as well. His presence as our parish priest on Fishers during my young adult years was such a part of maintaining my faith. He returned to the island to preside over the marriage of my husband and me 15 years ago. We are grateful that he was there for this special day. As others have said, his laugh was genuinely infectious and will not be forgotten. When I think of Father Paul, it will be his sermon catch phrase that will come to mind...."In a very beautiful way..." RIP Father Paul and know you did right by this world.

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Harriet F. Judy - W. Windsor, VT - Admiring Friend posted a condolence

Sunday, January 6, 2013

He influenced with loving care the lives of people blessed with his having touched our lives. Rest in the peace you so richly deserve, Father Paul.

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Ed and Nancy Lonergan - Old Saybrook, CT - Friend/Parishioner posted a condolence

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Like many parishioners, we struggle with the loss of a dear, trusted friend. Father Paul was in every aspect of life a living example of a true Christian. He chose not to pass judgment on any of us, but rather accepted each individual as a child of God. As a family, we will cherish many great memories of the special occasions we shared together. One of our favorite Fr. Paul stories has to do with turnip. One Thanksgiving, Father Paul had dinner with our family. It was at this gathering that we learned how much he really liked turnip. Turnip was also a favorite of our daughter, Tammy. Who of us in this family could ever forget the next year when Father came to our house for turkey dinner left overs. It was determined ahead of time that Father, being a "guest," was to have first dibs on the turnip. All in good fun, a rather lively discussion developed between Tammy and Father Paul as to who was going to have the largest portion of the turnip. Like two kids, back and forth they went with a great deal of bantering and laughter on everyone's part. Although the extent of the actual "turmoil" that evening would be somewhat embellished over time, the bottom line of the verbal discussion was that it provided numerous opportunities to evoke Father Paul's contagious laughter when replaying the event. As a matter of fact, even this past year, sick as he was, Father Paul said he was going to miss the Turnip Challenge! Father Paul's boyish enthusiasm about the joys of the various holidays was always visible with his house and shrub decorations. Even Valentine's Day had its place for recognition. Always a welcoming sight as we entered the church parking lot where his personal warmth became readily apparent. Father Paul will be sorely missed. Father loved his parishioners ... he was a dear friend and, to be sure, he made all of us a family. God bless Fr. Paul and his family, Nancy and Ed Lonergan

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Ed and Nancy Lonergan - Friend/Parishioner posted a condolence

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Like many parishioners, we struggle with the loss of a dear, trusted friend. Father Paul was in every aspect of life a living example of a true Christian. He chose not to pass judgment on any of us, but rather accepted each individual as a child of God. As a family, we will cherish many great memories of the special occasions we shared together. One of our favorite Fr. Paul stories has to do with turnip. One Thanksgiving, Father Paul had dinner with our family. It was at this gathering that we learned how much he really liked turnip. Turnip was also a favorite of our daughter, Tammy. Who of us in this family could ever forget the next year when Father came to our house for turkey dinner left overs. It was determined ahead of time that Father, being a "guest," was to have first dibs on the turnip. All in good fun, a rather lively discussion developed between Tammy and Father Paul as to who was going to have the largest portion of the turnip. Like two kids, back and forth they went with a great deal of bantering and laughter on everyone's part. Although the extent of the actual "turmoil" that evening would be somewhat embellished over time, the bottom line of the verbal discussion was that it provided numerous opportunities to evoke Father Paul's contagious laughter when replaying the event. As a matter of fact, even this past year, sick as he was, Father Paul said he was going to miss the Turnip Challenge! Father Paul's boyish enthusiasm about the joys of the various holidays was always visible with his house and shrub decorations. Even Valentine's Day had its place for recognition. Always a welcoming sight as we entered the church parking lot where his personal warmth became readily apparent. Father Paul will be sorely missed. Father loved his parishioners ... he was a dear friend and, to be sure, he made all of us a family. God bless Fr. Paul and his family, Nancy and Ed Lonergan

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Lt & Mrs.Patrick Maloney,USAF - parishioner posted a condolence

Friday, January 4, 2013

Definitely a loss for all of us. He was without judgement of people and loved everyone equally. Always welcoming,with a kind heart,which is often missing in today's world. We must remember that he is in a better place and carry on with the same kindness toward others that he lived by. He will be missed !!

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Lorraine P Maloney - Director, Third Oder of Mary posted a condolence

Friday, January 4, 2013

Fr. Paul was never alone,as the tender presence of Our Lady was with him, providing invincible support and comfort throughout his life and in his ministry to the Third Order of Mary members. We will be eternally grateful.

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Gayle Capezzone - Ivoryton, CT - Friend posted a condolence

Friday, January 4, 2013

Father Paul was a loving caring man. He personally brought our family closer to God in so many ways - in the special things he did every day and in the special occasions he attended. Our son received his First Holy Communion from him and also was honored to be an alter server for him for the last 7 years. Our daughter and son-in-law were married by him at the Cathedral in Norwich and most recently he baptized our grandson. He was special man and a great Priest. He is home with God now and his mother and all his family and friends who have gone before him and surely they are laughing (that wondrous laugh) and having a good time. Our town, our Parish, and our family will miss him terribly. May you rest in peace Father Paul. Peter, Gayle and John Capezzone

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Suzanne Spitzschuh - Ivoryton, CT - parishoner posted a condolence

Friday, January 4, 2013

Father Paul was an open hearted all inclusive servant of God. He welcomed our family into OLOS,and baptised my baby without a cross examination. He was sincere and understood his mission better than many clergy these days. I remain forever grateful for his presence in our life.

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PATRICK COLLINS - Family friend, Fire Fighter/EMT posted a condolence

Thursday, January 3, 2013

We first met Fr. Paul when he was the Associate Pastor of St. Joseph's Church in North Grosvenordale, Ct. He watched our children grow as they went through school at St. Joseph's. I recall that once when Fr. Paul had dinner at our home, my wife Susan served a roast with potatoes and peas for the vegetable. My children the oldest being around 10 and the youngest 4, Fr. Paul encouraged them to eat all their vegetables ie: pea's by setting an example of eating all of his. We found out later that Fr. Paul hated pea's and never ate them. He also was the Chaplin for the Community Fire Department and became an EMT at our department. His scheduled duty night was Tuesday's from 6pm to 6am and he partnered with myself and another EMT. One night we responded to a cardiac distress call. We walked in the house and started our patient assessment when the patient noticed a priest in our midst. He immediately thought the worst and asked if we always responded with a priest to give last rites. All future calls were without the collar. My families memories will live in our hearts forever for our priest, a gentle, kind and caring man, that God now has at his table to look over all of us. Father Paul, now you have to eat all your vegetables, pea's included. Patrick & Susan Collins

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JoAnn Lohbusch - Brooklyn, CT posted a condolence

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Father Paul was part of our life's on Fishers Island and then again when we moved to Connecticut, at the Sacred Heart Church in Wauregan. He spoke at my husband's funeral, and I will never forget the wonderful things he said. He baptized two of our children and blessed our house when we returned to Ct. He touched our life's in many ways and we will always remember him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his parish. We will miss him greatly.

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Robert Fauxbel - Bishop's Falls, NL - Cousin posted a condolence

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Father Paul will surely be missed by everyone. I am sorry to say that since I live in Newfoundland, Canada I won't be attending but will make sure a mass is said in his honor here.

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Lois Caliri - former parishioner OLS posted a condolence

Thursday, January 3, 2013

I will always remember Father Paul for his hearty laugh and acts of kindness. He helped me at a time when I really needed it. He always used the phrase, "In a beautiful way," during his sermons. Now he entered into the Kingdom of Heaven, a beautiful place. Our Lady of Sorrows and the town of Essex lost a gentle soul and wonderful priest.

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Viktorija - Niantic, CT - Friend posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

No words can describe how much I miss you. I have been nonstop thinking about you since you first got sick. I will never meet another man as devoted and amazing as you. You cared about my family and shared kind words to help comfort us when you knew we were down. You were apart of many important events in my life including my First Communion, Confirmation and high school graduation. I will never ever forget about you, and it breaks my heart that I can't hear that wonderful laugh of yours again. I love you so much Father and I hope Brewster gave you a big kiss and a tail wag when he saw you. Rest Easy. See you soon <3>

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Karen Collins - Fishers Island, NY - Parish member posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Fr.Paul recently returned to Our Lady of Grace church to celebrate the burial mass of my Dad, Paul Collins. He greeted me in the sacristy with a warm hug and a tear in his eye. It funny how life goes, Fr.Paul worked with my dad at PWC as a summer intern, later became our parish priest on FI and then returned to celebrate dad's mass. He gave a very kind and special eulogy complete with his laugh because he and dad's lives had intersected along the way over the years. It was "very special" and so was he; may he rest in peace.

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Tom Doherty - Friend posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Father Paul was a terrific person and a great priest. He possessed all of the necessary qualities for the priesthood including his zest for life and his contagious laugh. As the Pastor of Our Lady of Grace on Fishers Island he became a well loved member of the community. From acting in the school plays, presiding over the marriages of my daughters and even helping me move into my new home, I will always remember my true friend. Father Paul will be missed.

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Wendy Melendez - Westbrook, CT - co-worker posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

I have fond memories of Fr. Paul when I worked with him at St. John Church-he was very dedicated to his parishioners and very kind to all. With sympathy and prayers, Wendy Melendez

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Elizabeth Comstock - Ivoryton, CT - parishioner and friend posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

With much sadness, I offer my prayers and condolences to the family of this great man, Rev. Paul J. Gaumond. Your loss is felt deeply by all of us who knew and loved him. May the Lord be with you in your sorrow.

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Dan Lapman - Ivoryton, CT - Friend posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Our Lady of Sorrows will miss a Great Pastor, a close True friend and a wonderful Priest. Our prayers to the family. We will never forget that laugh-Dan Lapman

Paul J. Gaumond

1947 - 2012

The Vigil with Reception

Visitation

Parish Mass

Funeral Mass

Burial