Obituary of Paul M. Gachignard

Paul M. Gachignard, 49, of Peabody, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning at the Lahey Clinic North, Peabody. He was the devoted husband of Lucy (Dullea) Gachignard with whom he shared over 23 years of marriage. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Leon and Claire (Valley) Gachignard. He attended Salem Public Schools and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1976. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for over five years aboard the USS Schenectady, based in San Diego, CA. He was the recipient of the Navy Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Paul worked at Salem Hospital and later at Salem State College in the maintenance department. He then worked a short time with Marblehead School Department delivering meals to the schools. For the past 19 years, he served as Director of Building and Grounds at the Peabody Glen Nursing Home in Peabody. He enjoyed fishing, collecting coins and steins, and also enjoyed reading. Paul also played the role of Santa Claus at the annual Toys for Tots program at the Peabody Glen Nursing Home. Paul was thought of as a renaissance man who enjoyed watching the History, Discovery, and the National Geographic Channels. Besides his loving wife, Paul is survived by his children, Jason and Felicia Gachignard, both of Peabody, two brothers, Richard Gachignard of Beverly, and Tommy Viano of Lynn, two sisters-in-law, Noreen Gachignard of Salem and Janice Hingston-Gachignard of Meredith, NH, and is also survived by the family cat, Fluffy. He was the brother of the late Raymond Gachignard. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM and on Monday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody Facility. Cremation will take place following the visiting hours and a private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the North Shore Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Dr., Peabody, MA 01960.