Paul R. Procaccini

Paul R. Procaccini, age 94, passed away in the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts on Sunday, April 15, 2018. Born in his family's East Street home in Walpole on January 8, 1924, he was the son of the late Giovanni and Emidia (Civita) Procaccini. As a lifelong resident of Walpole, Paul attended Walpole High School, where as a three-season athlete, he was a member of the football team, hockey team, and diving team. After his graduation in 1942, Paul inducted into the United States Army, proudly serving his country during World War II. Paul served as a medic in the European Theater of Operations, taking part in the Battle of the Bulge. For his heroic service in the Army, Paul was awarded the Bronze Star before he was honorably discharged in 1946.

Upon his discharge, Paul returned to his beloved hometown of Walpole and began taking classes at Northeastern University's College of Pharmacy, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. During his years in college, Paul worked part time at Jones' Pharmacy in Walpole where he met his soon to be wife, Marie Petracca. A year after his graduation, Paul married Marie on May 3, 1952 in Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole. The young couple made their home in Walpole and Paul took a position with Lakeside Laboratories, selling pharmaceuticals. In the early 1960s, Paul ventured out on his own, opening Paul's Apothecary in Walpole which he operated until 1979. After retiring from the store, Paul took a job with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, working as a pharmacist in several locations.

Paul took an active role in his community of Walpole. He served for many years on the finance committee and took a mentoring position with the Junior Achievement Program at Walpole High School. All of his accomplishments were recognized in 2009 when he was presented with the Friends of Christopher Columbus Person of the Year Award at their annual charity luncheon.

During his retirement, Paul enjoyed spending his winters in Florida with his wife, Marie. Paul also enjoyed staying active playing both tennis and golf. He was well traveled, visiting locations around the world, but especially loved spending time in Sicily. More than anything, Paul was a dedicated family man, who treasured the time he spent with those he loved, always making time for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Beloved husband of Marie P. (Petracca) Procaccini. Loving father of Paul R. Procaccini and his wife Joyce of South Carolina, Lisa Marie Procaccini and her husband Bill Clayton of Walpole, and Jay P. Procaccini and his wife Sherri of Wrentham. Cherished grandfather of E.J. Flanagan of Norton, Jaymie P. Procaccini of Medway, and Nicole M. Procaccini of Boston and great grandfather of Jayden, Clayton, and Dylan. Brother of Pauline Brovelli of Holliston, the late Emma Dentino, Palma DiFillipo, Albert Procaccini, Rose Pierro, Melvin Procaccini, Anthony Procaccini, and Raymond Procaccini. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and cousins in Italy.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Paul's visitation on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM and Friday, April 20, 2018 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole, MA 02081.