Paul Wayne Beach, Sr. 70, of Franklin passed away peacefully on the morning of February 20th at Milford Regional Medical Center. He was the devoted husband of Jean Anne (Moore) Beach for the past 50 years. He was born in Foxboro, December 18,1953, and was the son of the late Donald and Helen (Nielsen) Beach, formerly of Maple Street in Franklin.
Paul leaves behind his wife Jeannie, his children, Nicolle Mantia of North Attleboro, Paul W. Beach Jr. and his wife Kara of Warren, Amanda D. Beach of San Diego, California and Meghan S. Beach of Hopkinton. Paul also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Hadley, Mackenna and Ryan. Paul is also survived by his sisters, Bonnie Wood of Eagle Rock, Missouri and Tracey Moshe of Brookline and many more friends and family members.
Paul attended High School in Franklin where he developed his love for music. He played clarinet and guitar in the high school band where he met and fell in love with his soon to be wife Jeannie.
In 1972 Paul joined the Army and was deployed to Germany serving as a helicopter mechanic. They were married in 1973 and Jeannie was able to join him in Germany where they lived for a couple years. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant before returning to the States.
Paul was a lifetime learner, who completed his associate degree in computer science attending Northeastern University and Dean College. He held many jobs within the community serving as an Auxiliary Policeman for a short time, a member of the Franklin Call Fire Department, which turned into a full time career lasting 27 years. During this time, he was also a Biomedical Engineer, mechanic, and electrician; he finally retired from O’Donnell Electric just over a year ago.
Paul held many nicknames such as Beach, Beachy, Walley, Dad, Parental Unit, Mr. B, BBQ Master, Mr. Fix it, the Chauffeur and over the last twenty years the beloved Grumpy to his three grandchildren. Paul loved his wife, his children, and especially his grandchildren. Paul loved playing his guitar, fishing, chocolate, antique cars, genealogy, his recliner, Saturday morning cartoons, chips, reading, teaching, riding his motorcycle and playing with the kids. He taught his kids that while they will continue to grow up, it’s still okay to be young at heart.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be sent to the Massachusetts Firefighters Association. 2 Center Plaza Suite 4M, Boston, MA 02108.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).