SPRINGFIELD - Paul Charles Der Sarkisian, 65, a former resident of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Saturday, November 12, 2022. He passed into Eternal Life at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and wonderful caregivers. He was born in Springfield on Tuesday, April 30, 1957, a beloved son of the late Peter and Emra M. (Karam) Der Sarkisian. He was raised in Springfield and graduated from Classical High School in June 1975. On July 22, 1975 at the age of 18, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country in the Gulf War during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, in the War in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and in the War in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 823rd Red Horse Squadron, retiring on July 31, 2005 after 30 years of dedicated service at the rarely achieved rank of Chief Master Sergeant. After retirement, he became a civilian employee, working as a Pavement and Construction Equipment Superintendent for the Air Force. During his military service, he was the recipient of numerous awards including four Air Force Achievement Medals, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Bronze Stars, four Air Force Commendation Medals, one Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, two Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbons, three Professional Military Education Ribbons, one Humanitarian Service Medal, seven Air Force Longevity Service Awards, two National Defense Service Medals, one Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, one Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, nine Southwest Asia Service Medals, one Air Force Training Ribbon, three Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbons, one Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, one Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, one Kuwait Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia, one Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait, one Joint Meritorious Unit Award, nine Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Valor and nine Air Force Good Conduct Awards. Paul loved the military and his work. Above all, he loved God, his country and his family and friends. He enjoyed sports and prior to entering the Air Force, he played ice hockey competitively. Cheering on his New England sports teams and watching episodes of his favorite show, Gunsmoke, was a treat for him, mentioning how he would have made a good Cowboy. Hunting, fishing, golfing, beach trips, sightseeing and socializing with family and friends were some of his pleasures. He loved and respected life and all it had to offer with an exemplary discipline and faith. He also possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was a friend to all he met, ready to lend a hand, share a word of encouragement or give some helpful advice. With a strong and gentle resolve, he lived by faith, entrusting his entire life in the Hands of God without fear or doubt. He worked extremely hard, appreciated everything, was never wasteful and realized all as blessings from above. His heart of gold, beautiful smile, adoring personality, positive spirit and unshakable constitution will be gravely missed. He leaves his loving partner, Lori Bush; his three loving siblings, Theresa M. "Tree" Golonka and her husband, John, of Chicopee, Edward J. Der Sarkisian and his partner, Elizabeth Richardson, of Belchertown and Greg P. Der Sarkisian and his wife, Amelia Walling, of Carroll, OH; his longtime friend and "brother", Wayne Marcum of Tipp City, OH; his cherished four nieces and two nephews whom he adored, Emerra Der Sarkisian, Payton Der Sarkisian, Brooklyn Der Sarkisian, Noah Der Sarkisian, Gregg James Der Sarkisian and his wife, Amanda, and Elisabeth Zimmerman; his cherished two grand nieces and grand nephew, Meredith Zimmerman, Ashley Der Sarkisian and Jacob Der Sarkisian; and his many dear cousins, numerous friends, co-workers and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving sister, Karen A. Der Sarkisian who was Called Home on April 1, 2016. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 419 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA 01118. His burial will be private. There are no visiting hours. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In lieu of flowers and for those who wish, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com