CHESTER – Paul A. Petersante, 79,(1935-2015) a retired 30 year Research Technician at Solutia in Springfield died Monday, June 29, 2015 at his family home. Born in Westfield, MA on September 28, 1935, he was the son of the late Anthony Petersante and Martha (Romanik) Petersante. He was a lifelong resident of Chester. He received his Associates Degree in Machine Design from STCC and also attended Western New England University. He was a communicant of Holy Family Parish in Russell, MA. He was a Corporal in the US Marine Corps. having served during the Korean War and he was a retired Senior Master Sergeant Air Force Reserve, Westover Air Force Base 42nd Aerial Port Squadron for 22 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 356 in Blandford and a 3rd Degree Knight, Knights of Columbus Council 2212 in West Springfield. After his retirement, he worked for 25 years at The Big E with the Red Shirt Crew. Paul leaves his wife of 36 years, Dian M. (Bertrand) Petersante; a daughter, Cpt. Martha L. Schmidt, USAFR and her husband Maj. Timothy A. Schmidt, USAF from Scott AFB, IL; one grandson, Gunnar L. Schmidt; two sister-in-laws, Irmgard K. Petersante and Kathleen M. Petersante; an aunt, Rosemary Petersante; a niece and goddaughter, Tracy A. Marchuk (Michael) and a special uncle, Archie C. Narreau. We would to give special thanks to Tracy for her caring compassion. He was predeceased by two brothers, Philip and John Petersante. The funeral will be held Monday, July 6th at 9:30 am from the O’Brien Hilltown Community Funeral Home, 27 Russell Road, Huntington followed by a Mass at Holy Family Parish, Main St., Russell at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery in Huntington. Calling hours will be held Sunday, July 5th at the funeral home from 4:00 -6:00 pm. Donations may be Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
