Paul Colwell

Paul Colwell, age 93, of Burlington, MA formerly of Wakefield, MA and The Villages, FL, passed away on Wednesday November 13, 2024.

Born and raised in Wakefield, he was the son of the late Edward Michael and Emma (Cormier) Colwell. He was the youngest, and last survivor of six children. He was predeceased by his cherished siblings: Mary (Ricucci), William, Irene (Rousseau), Edward and Joseph.

Paul attended school in Wakefield, including the St. Josephs School and the Wakefield High School. He was self-employed as a wholesale grocery distributor – operating franchises for Arnold Bread and later, Pepperidge Farm cookies and goldfish.

He met Nancy Farrell in 1954 on a blind date arranged through a mutual friend who knew they would be a great match. They married in 1955 and briefly lived in Stoneham, then settled in Wakefield where they raised their family. They retired to The Villages in Florida where they hosted family and friends for 20 years before returning to MA. Paul loved to golf, ski and play tennis and was an avid fan of the Boston sports teams. He also loved to do sudoku puzzles, play cards, chess, cribbage and board games and was known to get into lengthy backgammon tournaments with Nancy. Above all, he cherished his role as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage and his son Paul Colwell, Jr. (and late wife Madeline) of Peabody. He is survived by his three daughters: Linda Colwell of Topsham, ME, Deanne Colwell and her wife Denise Serrecchia of Wakefield, and Susan Colwell and her partner Julie Quinn of Burlington; his grandchildren: Randall Paul Smith, Erica Colwell and Ella Colwell; his brothers-in-law: Lyle Rousseau and Richard Farrell and his sisters-in-law: Marion and Becky Colwell and Rita and Lee Farrell; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph's Church, 173 Albion Street, Wakefield, MA on Friday November 22, 2024 at 10am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial services will be private.