Paul M. Lestage of New Bedford passed away peacefully on his 83rd Birthday Tuesday, December 24, 2019, after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Elizabeth A. (Perry) Lestage and son of the late Henry and Marieanna (St. Jean) Lestage.
Paul served in the New Bedford Fire Department 1962-1993, was Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus for the Professional Firefighters of MA (PFFM), President of the New Bedford Police and Firefighters Association, President of the New Bedford Firefighters Association (IAFF 841), served on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Board (PRIM) and was a member of the New Bedford Retirement Board.
He was a communicant of St. James Church and St. Lawrence Church, a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War and a member of the American Legion.
Paul loved traveling with his wife (especially to Hawaii), singing in the church choir and spending time with his family and his many loyal friends. In his formidable years, he played semi-pro football for Fairhaven Varsity Club and the Army All-Star Team (while stationed in Okinawa, Japan) and was an avid hockey, tennis player and golfer. Throughout his retirement, he enjoyed bowling and monthly road trips to Foxwoods Casino.
Paul was never at a loss for words - be it a good story or one of his many legendary bad jokes. He was a big man with an even bigger heart who worked tirelessly in the service of others.
In addition to his wife, Betty, Paul is survived by his son Brent Lestage and his wife Holly of Mattapoisett, his granddaughter Brittany Lestage and her companion Alex Corazinni of Mattapoisett, his grandson Taylor Lestage and his companion Caitlin Hogan of New Bedford, two sisters; Rita Lebeau of Huntsville, AL and Theresa Baillargeon of New Britain, CT, many brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday January 3, 2020 from 4-8PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday January 4, 2020 at 9AM at St. Lawrence Martyr Church, 565 County St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 344 County St., New Bedford, MA 02740 or via their website at www.vetshouse.org. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.