Paul R. McGaunn

Paul R. McGaunn, Jr., 61, of Manchester, New Hampshire, died peacefully at home in his sleep on January 24, 2022.

Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, on June 20, 1960, he was the son of Paul R. and Joan F. (Sullivan) McGaunn. Paul graduated from Trinity High School in 1978 where he excelled on the football field, proudly wearing the No. 61 and playing left guard. Hardnosed on and off the field, it was here that Paul earned the nickname "Milty" and made lifelong friends. After graduating from Trinity in 1978, he attended Bridgeton Academy in Maine and Paul Smith's College in New York.

Prior to his recent retirement, he had been employed by Central Paper in Manchester for over three decades. Paul's dedication and service to the company was admirable.

Paul's love and appreciation for the outdoors, football, and his family defined him. An avid and expert skier, he loved skiing in the White Mountains, especially Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain. Summer months were spent piloting up and down the Sheepscot River and hosting family and friends at his cottages on Westport Island, Maine. His passion for the game of football came from his father and side by side they logged countless hours in stadiums and in the "Good Room" on Elm Street taking in the competition. "Uncle Paul" was more than an uncle to his many nieces and nephews; he was the one who taught you to ski, drive a boat, throw a pass, showed you an osprey nest, cheered you on from the sidelines, watched you graduate. He was a friend, mentor, and number one fan who will surely be missed.

Paul was predeceased by his parents and beloved chow dog Kody.

Family members include his siblings, Lisa Day and partner Harry Dimos of Manchester, Julie Chani of Hillsborough, Susan Nakos and husband Mark of Manchester, Jon McGaunn and wife Tamara of Naples, FL; his nephews and nieces, Ryan Day and wife Nina of Delaware, OH, Christopher Day and wife Bria of Hampton, Timothy Day and wife Monique of Andover, MA, Scott Partan of Eagle, CO, Dr. Matthew Partan and wife Lauren Palmer of Long Island, NY, Kellie Partan of Hillsborough, J.P. McGaunn of Orlando, FL, Hannah McGaunn of Orlando, FL, Peter Nakos of Columbus, OH, and Maxwell Nakos of Manchester; Alyssa (Chani) McAndrew and husband of Hillsborough, Garret Chani of Somerville, Mass., and many great-nephews and great-nieces. He also leaves behind close friends, John and Laurie Sweeney of Manchester, Eric Portinari of Lancaster, NH and Mike Ferullo and Joanne Meara of Westport Island, ME.

Calling hours with masks and social distancing required will be Wednesday, February 2nd from 4 to 7 pm at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10 am in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Manchester. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helping Hands of Wesport Island, Maine, Care of Michael Cromwell, 6 Fowles Point Road, Westpoint Island, ME 04578.

To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.