1926 – 2014

LEWISTON — Paul R. Lynch, 88, a resident of Lewiston and Fort Myers, Fla., and formerly of Concord, N.H., passed away Monday afternoon, Aug. 4, at Central Maine Medical Center, with his loving family by his side

He was born in Biddeford on Jan. 27, 1926, a son of Francis E. and Lillian (King) Lynch. He grew up in Saco and attended school there. He was a member of the Thornton Academy Class of 1944, then left to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He later graduated from the former Coburn Classical Institute in Waterville after the war. He continued his education, graduating from the University of Maine in 1953, where he was an active member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

He married the former Joan M. Filliettaz of Lewiston on Aug. 21, 1954, in the former St. Joseph’s Church, and together they raised their four children.

He began his career with the former New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., where he served in Biddeford, Portland and Bangor, and later in Concord, Manchester and Bedford, N.H. He retired as regional sales director for Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont in 1984. He treasured his 30-year career with the phone company in which he met many wonderful colleagues who were like family to him.

Following his retirement, he and Joan spent their time gardening, antiquing and traveling to see family in Alaska, including visiting the Arctic Circle, and memorable moments cooking during holiday and weekend gatherings. We will miss his keen sense of humor and his story telling.

Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Joan, of Lewiston; three sons, James M. Lynch and wife, Jennifer (Goff), of Auburn, Brian P. Lynch and wife, Darlene (Benson), of Bow, N.H., and Kevin F. Lynch of Auburn; one daughter, Mary-Beth (Lynch) LaBarre and husband, Paul, of Auburn; four grandchildren, Kelly Lynch of Manhattan, N.Y., Thomas Lynch of Auburn, Emma Lynch of Bow, N.H., and Briana Lynch of Auburn; one sister, Doris Noddin, of Topsham; one nephew, Richard Noddin and wife, Stephanie, of Alna; one sister-in-law, Claire Filliettaz, of Auburn; two brothers-in-law, Henry Filliettaz and wife, Betty (Bosse), of Hampden and Richard Filliettaz and wife, Sylvia (Heathco), of Cape Neddick; one niece and goddaughter, Kathryn Lynch, of California; and many nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as his lifelong friend, the late John J. Harvey Sr., and his widow, Millie, of Saco, and their three sons, John Jr., Richard and Michael Harvey.

He was predeceased by one brother, Donald; his two nieces, Gail Noddin Parker and Maureen Lynch Helgeson; his father- and mother-in-law, Brigadier Gen. Charles M. Filliettaz and Catherine (Conley) Filliettaz; two brothers-in-law, Daniel H. Filliettaz and Lawrence Noddin; and two sisters-in-law, Gertrude Belair Lynch and Betty Filliettaz Crowley.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.