Joseph A. Papaz

Joseph “Joe” A. Papaz, the kindest, most caring, nurturing, thoughtful and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend died suddenly Sunday, August 03, 2008 at the age of 89. Joe always smiled and spoke fondly of his days growing up in Worcester, his life in Quincy and Humarock MA, and as a resident of Hallandale Beach, Florida. He was a passionate Red Sox fan who never missed a game. He enjoyed all sports which he watched diligently. He also was quite an accomplished violinist. The twinkle in Joe’s brilliant blue eyes though came from the love of and for his family. Befitting that love, he was surrounded by his adoring family on Sunday. He leaves his wife Margaret “Peggy” (McLaughlin) Papaz of seventeen years, his daughters Susan Holland and Nancy Hand of Quincy, a sister Anne Garabedian of S. Easton, his grandchildren Paul Holland, Jr., QPD, Elizabeth, Jacqueline, Joseph and Victoria Holland, Lisa, her husband Peter Finnegan and their children, and Julie and Jonathan Gregory and their children. Joe was a devoted uncle to Lois and Peter Cheney, Dennis and Sharon Cormier and their children, Robert and Lynn Varrasso, Karen and Jeff Coates and their children and Ginny and Kenneth Morreale and their children. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 39 years Virginia Kerwin Papaz, his dear brother-in-law “Bud” Kerwin, and friends Russell Miller and Rita Arslen. He is lovingly missed by Dick Leonard, Phyllis Kerwin, Paul Holland Sr., John Hand, and Richard Flynn. He is survived by his dearest, closest, life-long and brother-like friend Kenny Arslen. Peggy’s children were grateful and blessed to have Joe in their lives and viewed him as a second dad: Arthur McLaughlin, Mary and her husband Ken MacGregor, Liz Quirk, John and his wife Maryanne McLaughlin, Patrick McLaughlin and Theresa McLaughlin; and Grandpa Joe to their children Artie, Mark, Kerri, Brian, Kayla, John, Stephen, Colleen, Danny, Martin, Maggie, Nora, Kevin and Trea. Joe was a proud decorated veteran of WWII serving in the Army Air Force from 1941-1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Professionally, Joe ran several successful businesses, last of which was the Quincy Minit Car Wash, before retiring completely in 1988. Calling hours from the Keohane’s Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St, Wollaston, MA on Wednesday 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM Thursday at St. Agatha Church, E. Milton MA, burial in Pine Hill Cemetery in Quincy, MA. We were blessed to have Joe in our lives and ask that you, in honor of his service to this country, in lieu of flowers, make contributions in his name to: The Disabled American Veteran’s Chapter 79 c/o Peter P. Stones Adjutant, 1541 Washington Street, Walpole, Ma 02081.