Mr. Paul Dumouchel of Wellesley, MA passed peacefully on September 9, 2023 after a brief hospitalization. He was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was 91 years old.
Paul was born in North Adams, MA to Dr. Antoine and Gabrielle Dumouchel, recent immigrants from Montreal, Canada. He graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1954, and married his classmate, Eileen Kelly Dumouchel. He later attended Tufts University in preparation to enter medical school. His graduate studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in San Antonio, Texas. While in Texas, his first child, Lucille was born.
He and Eileen returned to Massachusetts and purchased the Strand Pharmacy in Dorchester. They had three more children, Mark, David, and Diane. The pharmacy business grew to thirteen stores, including two in Wellesley, which eventually became the Eaton Apothecary chain throughout the greater Boston area. They settled in Wellesley where Paul has resided for over 50 years.
Paul was extremely proud of his chosen profession and was very active in pharmacy organizations at the local, state, and national level, eventually serving as President of the National Association of Retail Druggists, the Massachusetts State Pharmaceutical Association, and the Boston Druggists Association. He spent his life as an active member of the MCP Alumni Association and was dedicated to his alma mater. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the college in recognition of his service to the profession. He served as a consultant to the board of numerous pharmaceutical companies. He was active in the Town of Wellesley for many years coaching Little League baseball, serving as president of the Wellesley Kiwanis Club, and remaining an active member of the business community.
His four children participated in the family business from a young age. Three of them became pharmacists and two of them married pharmacists as well.
He married Mary Dziejma Dumouchel in 1994, and they spent many years traveling the world, attending the opera in New York City, and enjoying life.
Paul was passionate about many things. He was an avid sports fan following the Montreal Canadiens, the New York Yankees, and his beloved Patriots, who he followed as a season’s ticket holder since before they moved to Foxboro. He loved his family and spent summers at Lake Winnipesaukee, where he enjoyed boating and water skiing, and winters snow skiing at Gunstock Mountain. Later in life, he took great pride in maintaining his own property and manicuring his lawn and gardens. He enjoyed sitting on his porch, reading biographies of famous historical persons. He was always a sharp dresser, loving fine clothing and fine dining.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gertrude of New Mexico and his brother Robert of The Bahamas. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his sister, Claire of Lewiston Maine. He is also survived by his four children and their spouses: Lucille and Michael Curry of Millis, MA, Mark and Linda Dumouchel of Milford, MA, David and Jennifer Dumouchel of Boxford, MA, and Diane and Dean Morrison of Bedford, NH. Paul also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks are extended by family to the staff of the Newton Wellesley Hospital Intensive Care Unit for the affection and care extended to Paul during his final days.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt.16) Wellesley on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 4-7pm. His Funeral Mass will be held in St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley on Monday, Sept. 18 at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the MCPHS University Scholarship Fund, 179 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115.