Paul D. Phaneuf

He was the beloved husband and best friend of Jeanne Marie Sheil for 26 years. Together, they raised a beautiful loving family. Their three children, Thomas Phaneuf, Colleen Phaneuf, and Erin Phaneuf, will forever remember the love, friendship, and lessons their father left them.

Born to Philias and Rita Phaneuf on Oct. 18, 1955. He was the brother of Jean (Henry) Zola, Nancy (Jim) Reese, Margaret (Bill) Puza. He was predeceased by his sister Bettyann (Richard) Mekal. He also leaves his extended family, Peter (Ellen) Sheil, Rachel (the late Frank) Lacombe, Marianne (Vin) Britt, Jim (Karen) Sheil, Patrice (Michael) Afflitto, The late John (Christine) Sheil, Kate (Ed) Sady, Regina (Noel) Graydon, Christopher (Diane) Sheil, Colleen (Andrew) DeVita, Margaret (Tedd) Cecchetelli and Michael (Debbie) Sheil. Paul was also a special uncle to 47 nieces and nephews and 50 great nieces and nephews.

Paul attended Catholic schools throughout his adolescence, graduating from Cathedral High School. He then went on to earn two associate degrees from Springfield Technical Community College. Thereafter, he received his bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from University of Massachusetts. While attending both of these institutions he served his community in Chicopee as a full time firefighter; he spent nine years working for the department. Paul began his career working for Pratt and Whitney. During his employment at P&W he received his masters in mechanical engineering from Western New England College. In 1995, he started at Girard Rubber Inc., in New York, where he worked for 29 years.

Paul was an avid Boston sports fan. He followed the Red Sox, Bruins, and most importantly, the New England Patriots. Throughout football season he often would call plays from his recliner in the family room, helping Bill Belichik lead the Patriots to six SuperBowl titles. In addition, Paul was actively involved in his children’s youth sports. For many years he coached baseball, softball, hockey, and lacrosse, impacting the lives of countless young athletes.

Paul also left many friends and neighbors that he treated like family. He was a generous and kind man; his actions reflected that. At the drop of a hat, he would assist neighbors, acting as the handyman that anyone could call on. Paul did everything, from mowing lawns, to shoveling snowy driveways, even going as far as being “animal control”. If it was broken, Paul was the one to fix it.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, going on annual trips to various places such as Cape Cod, Rhode Island, and Rehoboth in Delaware. Nothing made Paul happier than being surrounded by his loved ones, both family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Paul’s family Monday September 23, 2024 between 4:00 and 8:00 pm at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468. His funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday September 24, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT, 06470. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul’s name may be made to the American Heart Association by following this link https://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/colleen-phaneuf , or to St. Rose of Lima Church at 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT, 06470.