John "Jake" Paull

John "Jake" Paull passed away a "Happy Guy" on January 6, 2015 after a three year battle with cholangiocarcinoma. He was born to the late Charles and Margaret Paull of East Boston, Massachusetts on September 24, 1939. He called Boston home for many years and followed their celebrated sports teams, relishing in seeing the Red Sox win several World Series (finally!) His wife Paula of 54 years and sister-in-law Dottie Cavanaugh were at his side when he passed. He reminded them to enjoy life, but said he would be watching. He is also survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and John Wilson of Reading, MA, Donna and Ed Williamson of Dumfries, VA and Diane and Mark Rutledge of Londonderry, NH. Jake loved his family and he and Paula spent as much time as possible with them. His daughters thoroughly enjoyed flying to see Jake and Paula anytime he had a hangnail, or just needed a good game of Scrabble. He also has nine grandchildren: Ashley, Grant, Lindsay, Ryan, Declan, Maggie, Ryan, Rachel and Sara who must all now carry the torch of keeping the Jake Jokes alive. Zummatta specials will be served up frequently. (What's Zummatta?) He was the baby of the family to his four sisters and two brothers, and claims they all got along. He is survived by Charles Paull of East Boston, MA, Jean Soddeck of Quincy, MA, Marjorie Bresnahan and Arlene Duca both of Atkinson, NH and many nieces and nephews. His brother, George and sister, Virginia, were awaiting his arrival to show him around the place. Jake had many, many loyal friends - some from childhood, some from his days at the Star of the Sea Men's Club in East Boston, the Elks or from his retirement in Sebring, Florida. Everyone gathered around him - whether it be to hear a joke, or just to get in the shade. (ba dum ching) He and his wife owned R & C Distribution, a warehousing and trucking company that conducted business in Massachusetts, with many national and international accounts. Many family, friends, and children moved on to successful college careers after working for a summer carrying boilers up multiple flights of stairs. He referred to it as his "Step Up" program. From 1979 through 1986, Jake and Paula partnered to purchase Chestnut Hill Stables and bought six thoroughbred racehorses. He loved this venture - he loved his "hosses" and there were some winners too! The family always liked to place friendly wagers on Derby days. Jake won most of the time. Jake was in the Army Engineers from 1957 to 1963. He played softball until 2003 when two pulled hamstrings (ouch!) ended his playing career. Jake played pool and won six gold medals and one silver medal in 8-ball tournaments in Cape Coral and Highlands County. He had a two ball handicap right up to the end- "the result of a misguided youth". Jake said "All in all it was a great life with my wife, Paula and three beautiful daughters, nine terrific grandkids and really great sons-in-law. We traveled many times and our girls got the life of traveling and had fun-fun-fun, with lots of laughs. I'm a lucky guy!" Jake was a funny guy (he had a million of em! - just ask his family and friends in Sebring and East Boston.) Jake said "In life we get sadness, but also many, many laughs." His final thoughts: "When I meet Jesus, I hope he forgives my many shortcomings and my old jokes. Goodbye everyone. Have a good life. I did!" A memorial service will be held in his honor to celebrate his wonderful life on January 24, 2015,11:00am, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 435 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH 03053. He will be remembered at all masses 1/10-1/11 at his parish church, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Avon Park, FL. In lieu of flowers, Jake would prefer you tipped a glass of your favorite beverage in his memory, and remember a time he made you laugh. Or perhaps perform a random act of kindness towards a stranger in need. Or better yet, pat a dog on the head, and donate to an animal shelter in his name. He would really, really like that. Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home (863) 385-0125 Online condolences may be left at: www.stephensonnelsonfh.com