Paul Berthelette, Jr.

BLACKSTONE On August 4, 2020, as tropical storm Isaiah blew in, Paul Berthelette, Jr. took his final curtain call on Lifes stage, in the loving care of family. Paul made his entrance June 1961, the fourth child and oldest son of the late Paul (Midge) and Laure (Belhumeur) Berthelette Sr. Paul followed sisters, Marie (Raymond) Godin of Maryland, Joan (Stephen) Barnatt of North Carolina, and Kathleen (Don Bradley) of Georgia. The family gender balance was restored by brothers: Gerard (Christine) and Edward (Lisa Marie) of Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his wife Rebecca (Thornhill) Groundwater and is survived by his daughter Kayley (Patrick) Celestine and grandson, Lucas of California, step-son, Bradley Groundwater of Virginia. He also leaves a wide and close network of extended family and close friends.

Paul grew up in Millville, graduated from Blackstone-Millville Regional High School, active on soccer and track and field teams, and marching band. He matriculated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts. He was employed as a chemist at Garelick Farms/Dean Foods for over thirty years until his death. Paul was a wonderful, supportive dad per the best of references: his children. He relished his new title of Ppre, not nearly long enough.

Paul loved classic movies, silent film, and comedians of years gone by. He traveled widely, was known for canny impressions, quirky phone messages, and remarkable watercolor caricatures. He shared his love of hiking with his daughter and friends. A life-long pet lover, Paul leaves behind Nola, his golden long-haired cat. Paul was not much of a cook but he had his favorites: Ye Old English Fish n Chips, Lindys clam plate, Beef Barn sandwiches, NY Deli wieners, Robbies beef stroganoff, Chris Taco Tuesday, and ice cream. He always made time for dinner and coffee. His single defining culinary passion was a love of coffeegood coffee!

Paul always smiled with his eyes first, which might bloom into a belly laugh or half-smile preceding a quip. When not center stage, he was sparing in his words, the quiet man in the group. He cultivated and nurtured enduring friendships, as a laidback, easy-going character. A dapper fellow, he could make any suit look good. He knew how to accessorize from his collection of mens hats (baseball to bowlers) and striking selection of ties. His signature look: jeans, sneakers, and a T-shirt from his extensive collection, the latter as much artwork as textile. He frequently completed his ensemble with his signature, special-order French beret.

If you skipped ahead looking for service details, then you missed the best for naught. Per Pauls wishes, services are postponed to a safer time. The family asks you to grab a cup of your favorite cawfee and connect with a friend to share a story about the man. If you feel compelled to do more, donations to Dana Farber Institute, P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284-9168, are encouraged, in hopes more of those he left behind will die of old age, and fewer from cancer.

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