NORWICH – Richard Paul “Dick” Paino, 70, who currently resided in Waynesboro Pa., passed away suddenly at his home on March 15, 2013. He left to spend eternity with his wife Mary (Beckwith) Paino, whom he always noted was the “love of his life.” Dick was a strong, kind and compassionate man, born on December 1, 1942 in Norwich, NY. He was a life-long resident of Norwich, graduating from Norwich High School in 1960. He and his wife, Mary, were married on September 21, 1963. She recently passed away on August 19, 2011 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
In addition to his devoted wife Mary, he was also preceded in death by his parents, John & Frances (Natoli) Paino, a brother John “Jackie” Paino, Jr. and a sister Mary (Paino) Drake.
Dick was extremely loving and proud of his three daughters and their husbands: Constance & Gene Duffey of Hershey Pa., Cynthia Paino-White & James White of Waynesboro Pa., and Christin & Greg Hanley of Canastota, NY. He is also survived by four loving grandchildren: Samantha A. Schroer of Mercersburg Pa., S. Alexander Schroer of Orlando, Fl., Victoria C. French of Oneonta, NY, and Christopher M. Hanley of Canastota, NY. A sister-in-law Sylvia (Beckwith) Bates of Norwich, NY also survives, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dick worked for Norwich Eaton/Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals for more than 37 years, retiring in 1998 as a “Construction & Project Engineer.” He was also a Volunteer Fireman, Emergency Squad Captain, Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Dispatcher for the Norwich Fire Department for 17-plus years. Dick and Mary were life-long members of St. Bartholomew’s Church.
Dick was known for having a great sense of humor and strong love for his family, who affectionately referred to him as “Gumpy.” He also earned the title “Jack Of All Trades” through his work as a handyman, carpenter, electrician and plumber. He was even known to deliver a baby or two while an EMT on the Emergency Squad.
He was a great business-minded man, who together with his wife, engineered, designed, built and operated “John’s Hotdog Stand” in Norwich - in honor of his father, and as a tribute to his parents, who ran a small Mom & Pop Hotdog stand in the 1940s and 50s. He and Mary successfully ran their business for 8 years, until finally retiring in 2006. His wish was to finally enjoy life with his family, friends at camp, and their dog companion “Lady.”
Dick had a very kind heart and passionate soul and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him as he touched so many lives.
The family will greet friends from 1to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Wilson Funeral home. Funeral services for Mr. Paino will be held on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Burial will take place following the service at the Warn-Ten Broeck Cemetery in Brisben, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Norwich Fire Department.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at www.wilsonfh.com.