Paul Ignatius Megan, Sr.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Paul Ignatius Megan, Sr. of Manchester, NH, formerly of Acton, MA, announce his passing, peacefully, on December 27, 2022, at home, surrounded by family, after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 90.

     He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Lucille (née Mondou).  Dedicated father to six sons: Michael (Phyllis) of Peterborough, NH; Peter (Caroline) of Hooksett, NH; Paul, Jr. of Deering, NH; Christopher (AnneMarie) of Falmouth, MA; John (Leah) of Plymouth, MA; and Daniel (Kathleen) of Dedham, MA.  Caring grandfather to 17: Michael (Sarah), Hannah, KB, Catherine (Kendrick) Whittle, Kyle (Megan) McGann, Brendan (Kaylin), Julianna, Sean, Ciara (Andrew) DeVizio, Connor (Autumn), Brenna (Jay) Hart, Erin (Dan) Wilson, Sarah, Emily, Casey, Paul, and Mary Katherine; and to six great-grandchildren Jamison and Adeline Whittle, Jack and Claire DeVizio, Avery Hart, and Bennett Wilson.

     Paul was predeceased by his parents Francis and Catherine Megan, and his older brothers, John and Francis Jr., sister in-law, Alva Megan, and brother in-law, Dr. Robert Mondou.  Further survived by loving in-laws Patricia Megan and Maureen Mondou, and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

     Paul grew up in Belmont, MA, graduating from Belmont High School where he was a stand-out athlete on the football, track and field, and baseball teams, and rather proud of the fact that his varsity letter jacket for baseball was presented to him by former Boston Red Sox great, Bobby Doerr.  Paul attended Saint Anselm College for two years before answering a call to serve his country in the US Army during the Korean War conflict at Fort Richardson, Anchorage, AK.  Following honorable discharge from the Army after two years of service he returned to Saint Anselm College to complete his studies but also rekindle a budding relationship begun when he first arrived at “St. A’s” with the love of his life, Lucille.  After marrying, they returned to Belmont for a period before settling in Acton, MA where they lived for 47 years together raising six sons with compassionate understanding, an abundance of patience, and unwavering love and support.

      Paul’s professional calling was education at the middle school level in the Lawrence public school system, in the beginning, teaching US History before devoting himself to special education for over 30 years.

     Although a consummate reader of US History, particularly military history, his primary avocation was supporting his sons’ many activities, which meant volunteering as a Little League coach, adult leader for Boy Scout Troop 32, Acton, and the booster club for Acton-Boxborough High School’s football team.  Summers were spent serving as a senior staff member at Boy Scout Camp Wanocksett in Dublin, NH where, through his example and encouragement, all six sons went on to become staff members, and in time, earn the Eagle Scout award.  In later years, Paul dedicated himself to his alma mater, serving as president of the Saint Anselm College Varsity Club.  In time, he received the Joseph P. Collins '34 Meritorious Service Award, which is presented annually to an alumnus/a who has given extraordinary service to the College through sustained activity that promotes the advancement and standing of the Alumni Association and the College.

     Paul’s faith, quiet but true, was also important to him.  Its depth was keenly recognized when, as a twenty-three-year-old enlisted man stationed at the US Army’s Fort Richardson, he was asked by a non-commissioned officer, far senior to him, if he would consider serving as Godfather for his newborn child.  Paul lived out his faith by the way in which he treated others, particularly the less fortunate and even those down on their luck.  He actively supported his longtime church, St. Elizabeth’s of Hungary Catholic Church, Acton, MA, volunteering on several ministries including Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, and the men’s prayer group, and where he was a Eucharistic Minister.  At the Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry, he helped provide meals for those in need.  He was a kind and selfless man who increased the grace in this world, and he will be deeply missed by many.

     Friends and relatives are invited to visiting hours on Monday, January 2^nd from 4pm to 7pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave. (Rt. 111), Acton, MA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Tuesday, January 3^rd at the Abbey Church, Saint Anselm College, 100 St. Anselm Dr, Manchester, NH.  Committal service with military honors will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave, Bourne, MA at a later date.

     Memorial donations in Paul’s name suggested to the Lester’s Feet Foundation (www.lestersfeetfoundation.org) and the Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry (https://www.actonfoodpantry.org). The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Amedisys Hospice Care of Bedford, NH for the loving care and compassion provided.