Mr. Paul John Kluchnick, Sr., of Gorham, passed away on July 26, 2010 at his home. He was born in Berlin, NH on July 27, 1920, the son of John and Lizze (Meginoizi) Kluchnick who were Russian immigrants. Paul was a lifelong resident of Berlin and Gorham. He was a graduate of Berlin High School, Class of 1938 and had participated as a football and baseball player during his attendance. He was a US Army Veteran of World War II along with his 3 older brothers John, Peter and Michael and served as a corporal in the medical division in Europe. He received the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Medal. Paul had been employed by Brown Company and James River Corporation for 34 years, retiring in 1982. He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and a member of the VFW Post #2520. Prior to his retirement, he loved to “fly fish” along the upper Androscoggin River and South Pond, and “ice fish” on Umbagog Lake and Conway Lake. He enjoyed hunting in the Kilkenney Range. In his retirement years, he enjoyed driving along the countryside road with his wife, Mary, spending time with his family, watching the Red Sox, and playing cards.
Members of the family include three sons Paul Kluchnick Jr. and wife Kim of Berlin, Luther Kluchnick and Alexander Kluchnick, both of Gorham; a daughter Loree Pike and husband Bobby of Gorham; his granddaughters, Karen and Holly Kluchnick, Melissa Pike, and Alexandra and Elizabeth Kluchnick; his sisters and brothers, Vera Barbin of Whitefield, NH, Mildred Dupuis of Groveton, NH, Mary Jewels of VA, Elizabeth Forestall, William Litvin and Robert Litvin of Berlin; many nieces, nephews and many cousins including Leon Sazonick and Sophie Langley of Berlin. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years Mary Loretta (Roy) Kluchnick, his daughter Wanda Gagnon Brien, his son-in-law Gerald Gagnon, his granddaughter Anna Christine Joy Gagnon, his sister Jennie Kluchnick, his brothers John, Peter, Alexander and Michael Kluchnick and his stepfather Roman Litvin.
FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection on Petrograd Street in Berlin. Interment will be in the Russian City Cemetery in Berlin following the services. Relatives and friends may call at the Bryant Funeral Home 180 Hillside Avenue in Berlin on Friday from 7 to 9 PM. Donations in his memory may be made to the Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection.