Paul Verespej Sr., loving husband of Susan Verespej and longtime resident of Monroe, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, at the age of 73. He was born in Bridgeport on June 13, 1951 to the late Andrew and Rebecca Verespej. He is also predeceased by his brother, Michael A. Verespej.
Throughout his lifetime, Paul pursued a career in the field of chemical and metallurgical engineering. He earned multiple degrees and certificates, including an Associate in Applied Science of Materials Engineering Technology, Associate in Science of Chemical Engineering Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and Related Support Services.
Paul also held additional certifications including Six Sigma Black Belt Lean Enterprise, Project Management, Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action, and Internal Auditor to the ISO. He was published in David Schneller’s Jewelry Manufacturing Technology 1995 for his contribution to Flexible Horizontal Continuous Casting System.
Paul was an avid sportsman who would drop his line anywhere a fish would bite and hunt wherever he found deer sign! He was a part time “grease monkey” who always repaired his own vehicles and made them hum. He was a Mr. Fix-It in the home and a gardener extraordinaire.
Paul took great pride in growing hot peppers and challenging everyone to have a bite. He carefully tended his apple trees and baked the best apple pies in town. He was a well-renowned pool shark in his youth and the reigning pinochle champion among his family game night “tournaments”.
Paul was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5987 for 24 years, where he participated in events such as the Southbury Training School Christmas parties, various Needs Drives, and Tootsie Roll Drives.
He loved volunteering at his Parish, St. Jude Roman Catholic Church in Monroe, where he was a dedicated participant in the St. Jude Youth Group, Emmaus Teen Retreat, and the annual Italian Festival. In everyone’s lives Paul’s dedication was not just about giving; it was about making a difference.
He loved talking about his children and grandchildren, and he will be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, analytical mind, compassionate nature, and living life through simple pleasures. He was famous for creating silly and imaginative nighttime stories for his grandkids where no story was the same and every character was unique, like Quack-A the Duck, who could only say quack-A-quick-quack!
Paul was a devoted husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by Susan, his wife of 48 years, his loving children Paul Verespej Jr. (Julie) and Suzanne Tortora (Steve), and his beloved grandchildren Emma, Sadie, Christopher, Lilly and Evelyn. Paul leaves behind cherished family and lifelong friends whom he valued with his heart and soul.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, August 22, 2024, between 4 and 7 p.m., at Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468.
A Funeral Service will be celebrated Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. A live streaming of the service on Friday, August 23, 2024 starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time can be viewed from the following link: Paul A Verespej Sr Funeral Service. Interment will immediately follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 500 Moose Hill Road, Monroe.
For family and friends who wish to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, the Verespej family respectfully requests that donations be made to either of the following:
- Knights of Columbus Council 5987, located at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468. Attention Knights of Columbus. Please indicate the donation is in memory of Paul Verespej Sr.
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 275 Union Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607. Please indicate that the donation is for the 1000 Friends Campaign in memory of Paul Verespej Sr.
Online condolences may be left at SpadaccinoFuneralHome.com.
With heartfelt gratitude from the family of Paul Verespej Sr.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
