GILFORD ---- Lionel Joseph Paradise, 90, of Old Lake Shore Road, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at St. Francis Nursing Home in Laconia, NH.
Lionel was born on January 31, 1934, in Laconia, NH, the son of the late Napoleon Paradise and Marie Louise (Hebert) Paradise.
Lionel owned and operated Paradise Drilling and Blasting for over 30 years in and around the Lakes Region.
He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast from an early age and even raced back in the day at the old Gilford Bowl and at Gunstock. He enjoyed all aspects of hunting and fishing which included special trips with his children and grandchildren. He was a long-time member of the Belknap County Sportsman’s Club and served one year as President. He and Sally enjoyed camping for many, many years, with trips to the mountains, ocean and state fairs.
Lionel is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sally Ann Paradise; son Donald J. Guarino; daughter Nikki J. Wheeler; grandchildren: Justin Guarino, Megan Mellett, Danielle Vance Taylor, and Jessica Vance Taft; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Lionel is predeceased by his son John L. Paradise, daughter Sharon Vance, sons-in-law Fred O. Wheeler Jr. and Danny Vance, brother Maurice Paradise and sister Rose Mastine.
A private family Graveside Service will be held at a later date at McCoy Cemetery, Old Lake Shore Road, Gilford, NH.
The family suggests the memorial donations in Lionel’s name be made to John L. Paradise Scholarship Foundation, c/o Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 7312, Gilford, NH 03249.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246 is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to wilkinsonbeane.com.