Paul George Kelsch, Jr., 73, of Quincy, MA died March 4, 2020 at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston after a brief illness. He was born on May 1, 1946 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He was the son of Edna (Quinn) Kelsch and Paul George Kelsch, Sr.
Paul attended schools in Boston and was a graduate of the Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury, MA in 1964. He subsequently attended Boston College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classics in 1968. He obtained a Masters of Arts in Classics from Boston College as well and completed additional doctoral work at Tufts University. He married Diane Marie Daher, from Roslindale, on August 10, 1969. He began a career in management and market research in 1971 and worked at various companies including Sallinger’s, Milton’s, Caldor and for many years at Eastern Mountain Sports. He worked there until 1998 and at that time joined the Patriot Ledger in Quincy where he stayed until his retirement in 2006.
Paul is survived by his loving wife and children: son Mattheu Paul Kelsch and his wife Heidi Willliams Kelsch and daughter Rebecca Alicia Kelsch and her husband Gregory Peck of Dunedin, FL.; daughter-in-law Joann Sassone; four grandchildren; Liam, Emerson, Jaxson and Alexandria. He was also pre-deceased by his younger brother, Stephen Kelsch, of Hingham, MA.
Paul enjoyed travelling in his younger days and was a voracious reader. He was a World War II buff, a passion he shared with his son Mattheu. He was also a gifted handyman and had a 1929 Model A for many years until purchasing a 1936 Buick Sports Coup which he pristinely maintained until his death. Paul particularly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his 11 year-old grandson Liam spent many hours in the basement of his home playing, building things and painting model soldiers and vehicles, reminiscent of his own childhood playing with his brother. He and his wife Diane spent every moment together since his retirement in 2006. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last August where they were surrounded by family and friends.
Visiting hours in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home 2055 Centre St. WEST ROXBURY Monday, March 9th from 4-8 pm and again on Tuesday from 9-10 am followed by a service in the funeral home at 10am. Relatives and friends invited. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701. For directions and guestbook www.gormleyfuneral.com