OBITUARY: Paul “Woody” R. Washburn, 89

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Paul Roland “Woody” Washburn, formerly of Wilmington, MA, Somers, CT, Orleans, MA and most recently Franklin, MA, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024. He was 89.

Paul was born in Wilmington, MA on May 15, 1935. He was the cherished son of the late Paul W. and Anna (Robertson) Washburn Melanson. Stepson of Francis Melanson. Paul was educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School as class Salutatorian. He graduated from Boston University with a business degree and later studied at Michigan State University.

Paul proudly served in the US Army as part of the Signal Corps located at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Prior to retirement Paul worked as the director of advertising for First National Supermarkets and later at Moore Medical Corporation.

Paul married his sweetheart Louise in 1959 and together they raised their family in Wilmington, MA and Somers, CT. He was an immensely proud and devoted husband and father. Family was his greatest joy and accomplishment. He attended every school and sporting event and was his children’s biggest fan. Paul cherished his role as grandfather and never missed a chance to be with his adored grandchildren.

Paul will fondly be remembered for his big personality, huge heart, honesty, and dry wit. Paul saw the best in everyone and would always help someone in need. An amazing storyteller, Paul never forgot a detail or date. Paul loved to tend to his abundant vegetable and perennial gardens. He loved being near the ocean. He loved camping and his travels to Europe. He enjoyed playing poker and trying his luck at any casino or lottery ticket.

Paul was an avid Boston sports fan. Paul had an extensive knowledge of history and politics and loved learning about and sharing Washburn genealogy. Paul became immersed in every community where he lived, joining many clubs and making lifelong friends.

Paul had deep faith and served in many roles at the Wilmington Congregational, Somers Congregational and Orleans Federated Churches.

Paul was the beloved husband of Cora Louise (Carnes) Washburn. Devoted father to Cynthia and husband Steven Nester of Mill River, MA, Stephen and wife Shalisha Washburn of Randolph, MA and Leanne and husband Jim Makris of Franklin, MA. Loving Grampy to Charlotte Nester, Theodore Nester, James and wife Sydney Makris, Matthew Makris and Aengus Washburn. Brother to Philip Washburn and the late Lyman Washburn. Brother-in-law to the late Shirley and Nicholas Delrossi, the late Roger and Thyra Carnes and Edythe and the late Phil Harnden. Paul also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, June 4th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. immediately followed by a Funeral Service with Military Honors at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Paul’s memory to Mass Audubon, Development Office, Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 www.massaudubon.org.