PAUL E. MACDONALD, CHIEF MASTER SGT., U.S. AIR FORCE, RETIRED

BREWER – Paul E. MacDonald, 77, passed away peacefully Sept. 22, 2009, while at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor. He was born Oct. 6, 1931, in Millinocket, the son of John and Ruby (Soucy) MacDonald. Paul enlisted in the Maine Air National Guard in 1947. He then went on to serve for 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. Paul retired as a chief master sergeant in 1978. Some of the highlights of his military career included his position as chief maintenance superintendent with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds from 1969 to 1972 and as senior enlisted adviser at RAF Upper Heyford, England, from 1973 to 1978. Paul also served in Korea during the Korean War and in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Paul married his true love, Maureen (Cunha) MacDonald in 1953. They remained happily married for 45 years until her death in 1998. Paul and Maureen enjoyed traveling around the world with their four children. Some of their military assignments included Morocco, Germany, England and throughout the United States. After retiring from the Air Force, Paul returned to Maine and worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance as a sales manager. Paul was passionate about his hobbies, which included boating, woodworking, fishing and playing golf. Above all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Paul is survived by his children, Susan Dumont and husband, Rodney, of Hampden, Curtiss MacDonald and wife, Nancy, of Bangor and Paul A. MacDonald and wife, Barb, of Scarborough; grandchildren, Amy Dumont, Catherine and John MacDonald; and brother, David MacDonald. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maureen; daughter, Debra MacDonald; brother, Larry MacDonald; and his parents. Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at St. Paul the Apostle, St. Matthew Catholic Church, 70 Western Ave., Hampden. Interment with military honors will be after the service at Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Airman and Family Service Office, 101 Maineiac Ave., Suite 505, Bangor, ME 04401, to help support families of deployed military personnel. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.