AUGUSTA — Paul George Paradis, 72, a resident of Main Street in Mexico, died early Thursday, June 2, at the Maine Veterans’ Hospital in Togus, following a lingering illness. He had recently been moved from the Veterans’ Hospital in West Roxbury, Mass., where he had been a patient for the past month.

He was born April 30, 1939, in Auburn, the son of Joseph and Simone (Patry) Paradis. Paul was a 1958 graduate of Edward Little High School; after graduation he served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962.

On June 26, 1983, in Leeds, he married his wife of 27 years, Virginia (Ginny) Pasquine of Millinocket. Paul owned and operated the Chuck Wagon Restaurant on Sabattus Street in Lewiston; he later opened the Chuck Wagon Railroad Restaurant also on Sabattus Street in Lewiston. After closing his restaurant in Lewiston, he worked at the Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Livermore Falls.

Paul and his wife relocated to Mexico, opening the Covered Wagon Restaurant on Main Street on Feb. 14, 1984.

He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge No. 271 in Lewiston and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Rumford. He enjoyed fishing with his brother, Norman Paradis, and friend, Dempsey Kersey at “Demps” camp in Miramichi, New Brunswick Canada.

He was also an avid sports fan, particularly the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Giants, more recently, The Patriots and of course the Red Sox. He and his brother, Norm enjoyed their weekly road trips these past few years, often called “The Paradis Brothers Traveling Comedy Show” by their friends! Paul enjoyed bird hunting, music and certainly, he was well-known for his exceptional cooking abilities.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Ginny) Paradis of Mexico; daughters, Rebecca Lessard and her husband, Jamie, of Lewiston and Christina Paradis and her fiance, Dan O’Halloran, of Hooksett, N.H.; his son, Paul Paradis Jr. and his wife, Melanie, of Lewiston; his son-in-law, Dr. Ron Chicoine of Lewiston; seven grandchildren; and his brother, Norman Paradis and his wife, Tamalie (Tammy), of Livermore Falls.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Julie Chicoine on May 4, 2010; his aunt, Yvonne Berube; and nephew, Michael Paradis.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.