Joseph Paulick

Born February 13, 1923 to Stella (Szewczyk) and Joseph Paulick, Joe was raised in Springfield, MA. After graduating from Springfield Technical High School in 1941, Joe entered the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. With WWII as the backdrop, Joe served as a cadet-midshipman aboard the Liberty ship, Abiel Foster, shipping tanks and planes to the Allies via the Arabian Sea from 1942 to 1944. Following his commencement, Joe joined the U.S. Navy, last serving as a Lieutenant Jg aboard the attack transport U.S.S. Botetourt, landing Marines at Okinawa and other Pacific islands and transporting the wounded back to San Francisco, crossing the equator 8 times. He was privileged to be aboard ship when anchored alongside the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the Japanese surrender in 1945.

After the war, he returned to Springfield where he married his soul mate and junior high school sweetheart, Eileen Lynch, in 1947. Under the GI Bill, he attended Syracuse University, graduating in 1951. Eileen and Joe moved to CT where they raised their family living primarily in Old Saybrook, CT. He worked as a mechanical engineer for 45 years, ending his career as owner and President of Foskett and Bishop Mechanical Contractors in New Haven, CT.

Joe was a 32 year Mason, working tirelessly as the treasurer of the Siloam Lodge #32 A.F.&A.M. in Old Saybrook, CT and later as a member of the Ashlar Lodge #332 in Wallingford, CT. Joe was also a consummate letter writer. Those of us who were fortunate enough to receive his letters marveled at his wit and the breadth of his writing skills. Despite his failing memory and health, Joe maintained a positive and cheerful outlook. When asked “How are you?”, his standard response was “Peachy dandy”. His sense of humor never left him and he brought smiles to the faces of his caregivers and family alike.

Joe is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eileen Paulick, his sons and daughters in laws: Joseph E. Paulick III and Ann Saller of Venice, FL, Edward A. and Gayle Paulick of Cheshire, CT and William W. and Kimberly Paulick of Mountain View, CA. He also leaves seven grandchildren, Kristin (Paulick) Schoenstein, Kaye (Paulick) Dealy, John Paulick, Spencer Paulick, Peyton Paulick, Kelley Paulick and Avery Paulick, and one great grandchild, Hadley Schoenstein. He was predeceased by his son, John Roger Paulick.

The family welcomes you to join them at a Memorial Celebration on July 16, 2016 from 2 to 5PM at the Pavilion at Old Saybrook Point, CT. Funeral arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Joe’s name may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or to VITAS at 199 Park Road Ext., Suite 102, Middlebury, CT 06762. VITAS provided loving hospice care to Joe in his final days. For online condolences please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com.