Paul Herman Walencewicz

Paul Herman Walencewicz, 82, of Mansfield, and formerly of Willimantic, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, October 16, 2014. Born January 24, 1932 in Drummondville, Quebec to the late Peter and Yvonne (Picard) Walencewicz, he moved to America in 1950. Paul served in the U. S. Army from 1953-55. He married Janice Lyon on August 20, 1955 and they shared 59 years of loving marriage. In 1968 Paul and Janice started their fire protection business, P&J Sprinkler Co., which reminds us to "look up for safety". Through years of hard work, he and Janice built a successful business which has remained a part of the Willimantic Community for more than 40 years. As a business owner, Paul was a man of integrity, whose handshake held more weight than any contract. Paul was a loving father and family man who always gave generously of his time and talents to loved ones and the community. He was a volunteer for the Willimantic Midget Football League for years, and was always one to give an opportunity to or help out a friend in need. In his free time Paul explored many interests and hobbies - he was always excited to learn new things and share his knowledge with his children, grandchildren and friends. Paul taught his grandchildren an appreciation of nature through building blue bird houses and gardening. After retiring, Paul enjoyed playing tennis and ending his day with dessert and a Manhattan. His blue eyes, smile, and laughter will be greatly missed. During his life time Paul touched many lives. He leaves behind his wife, Janice, and their four children, David M. Walencewicz and his wife Jodi, Peter J. Walencewicz and his wife Hope, Mark S. Walencewicz and Melinda A. Walencewicz. He touched the lives of his beloved grandchildren Sasha, Noemi, David, Joseph, Rye, Mackenzie and John Paul Walencewicz, Aubrey Haboush, and Elayna Lyon. Also Paul's Brothers Edward, Andrew, and Peter Walencewicz and Sisters Dorothy Tepatti and Helen Turzer.He is predeceased by his brother John Walencewicz, nephew Louis Walencewicz, and brother in law James Turzer. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. The Walencewicz Family would like to express their gratitude for the special care Paul received from Kay Lucente, Richard Osela, and Vitas Hospice Services. The wonderful staff at Buckingham Estates Memory Care Facility in Glastonbury also provided great care and compassion to Paul in his final years. Donations can be made to the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, 866 Main St., Willimantic, CT 06226. Family and friends are invited to calling hours Tuesday, October 21, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St (Route 195), Willimantic, CT. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 22, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church located at 99 Jackson St. Burial to follow at St. Joseph's Catholic cemetery. For directions and to sign the online guest book, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com