Southwick – Paul Winch, 80, of Southwick passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in Wilmington, NY on October 9th, 1936 to the late Era and Marie Winch. In 1954 at the age of 17, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force. While in Alaska he met the love of his life, Rita Angelina Gennari of Springfield. They married on February 27th, 1959. Paul was in the Vietnam and Korean War. The military brought them to Alaska, England, California and Florida, all while having 5 children. They finally settled in Southwick, MA in 1974 after 20 long years. Two wars later, Paul retired from the Unites States Air Force. He then worked at Southworth Paper Company in West Springfield as a Boiler Fireman for many years until he retired. Paul is survived by his five children, Denise Bienvenue and Fiancé Dave Tufano of Brooklyn, CT; Matthew Winch and Fiancé Karen Hess of Southwick; Lisa Anderson and husband Russell Anderson of Southwick: Mark Winch and Christine Winch of Granville; and Sharon Winch and wife Pam Fortin of Windsor, Ct. His children were the pride and joy of his life. Paul leaves his 9 grandchildren Matthew Winch Jr., Tabatha Winch, Sherrie Girard, Alex Bienvenue, Joshua Girard, Sean Bienvenue, Madison Winch, Zachary Girard , and Nolan Winch. He also leaves his 5 great grandchildren Brayden Winch, Savannah Winch, Cally Clendenin, Ayden Winch, and Dominic Gilpatrick. He also leaves his loving sister-in-law Gloria Penney and husband Bill Penney of Southwick, and their children John Cigal Jr., Alysia Penney, and Kara Penney. He will be terribly missed by all. On any given day you would find Paul working in his yard or working a second job, and in his later years doing puzzles, reading, and watching the Red Sox games with his wife Rita. The family will receive friends from 4:00PM – 7:00PM on Thursday (September 14, 2017) in the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, (Highway 202/10) Southwick. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00AM on Friday (September 15, 2017) in the New Southwick Cemetery, College Highway, Southwick. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #219, P.O.Box 7, Westfield, MA 01086 or to Baystate Visiting Nurses and Hospice, 50 Maple St., Springfield, MA 01102. Please visit www.forastiere.com to offer a personal expression of condolence.
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