Paul P. Czech

BERLIN—Paul Peter Czech, 98, died peacefully with family members present January 5, 2008 at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin.

Born in Chicago in 1909, he lived in Hammond, Ind. from 1942-96. He was employed by Silver Manufacturing as a tailor and then worked for the School City of Hammond in his early retirement. He and his wife, Mildred, raised two daughters in the Hessville area of Hammond and were active members of the community. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping and fly fishing, gardening, and was a true "Mr. Fix-it."

He was instrumental in starting the first Boy Scout troop at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic church in Hammond, Ind., and was an honorary fourth degree, lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Alfred’s Council. A charter member of St. Catherine of Siena Church, he served as the head usher for many years and was a member of the Holy Name Society. In his retirement, he was a member of the Calumet AARP chapter #2411 and the Hammond YMCA, where he enjoyed playing darts and played harmonica in a small band.

In 1996, he moved to South Bend, Ind. to be near his daughter, Betty, and lived there until 2000, when he moved to Randolph Center to be near his daughter, Lorraine. Through his 90s, he continued to entertain many with his skill at playing the harmonica. He also enjoyed bingo and was involved in many of the activities offered through Woodridge Nursing Home.

He was predeceased by Mildred, his wife of 69 years, who died in 2001; and by three brothers and five sisters.

Survivors include two daughters, Lorraine Kessler of Montpelier, and Betty Stafford of South Bend, Ind.; seven grandchildren: Michael Kessler, John Kessler and Tom Kessler of Vermont; Anne Williams Arisman of Georgia, Andrew Williams of Indiana, Mark Williams of Wisconsin and Melissa Stafford Ketner of Michigan; and 18 great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass and burial were held in Hammond, Ind. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated locally, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 at 1 p.m. at St. Augustine Church in Montpelier. Donations in his memory may be made to the Activity Department, Woodridge Nursing Home, P.O. Box 550, Barre, Vt. 05641.

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