Obituary of Paul "Suitcase" Kerkorian

Paul “Suitcase” Kerkorian passed away Sunday, June 2, 2013 after a long illness with his family by his side at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Since the death of his wife, Barbara, Paul made his home with his youngest daughter Pam Parkinson and her husband, Sam. Paul graduated from Peabody High School, Class of ‘46 where he played football. Following high school, he joined the Marine Corps and then graduated from Tufts University, Class of ’51. He played football for the Jumbos and then returned to Peabody High School to teach and coach football. He never lost his love for the game of football. Paul was a teacher, football coach and Director of Intramural sports for 30 years in the Peabody School System. He was loved and respected by his students and colleagues alike. He was always known as the “life of the party”. He was a great storyteller and always had a heartwarming smile on his face. After he retired from teaching, he volunteered at the Peabody Senior Center and led the weekly sing-a-longs, which brought him great joy. Paul loved music and singing. Our home was always filled with music from show tunes to Louis Armstrong. Another of Paul’s passions was his love of thoroughbred horses and racing. He was a well-known owner and trainer at Suffolk Downs, Rockingham Park and Scarborough Downs. His grandchildren will always cherish their memories of the many times he’d sneak them into the paddock in the early morning hours. Paul enjoyed life to the fullest. He and his wife traveled to many places, Ireland being his favorite place of all! He loved all of his family including several beloved nieces and nephews, and also considered all of his friends family. He was generous, kind and touched many lives and never had an unkind word. He will be dearly missed. Paul’s family would like to offer a special thanks to the wonderful caregivers that assisted him to live at home until the time of his death including Peter and his Hospice Volunteer, Sherri for over 2 years. Paul is survived by 3 daughters and their husbands, Patricia and Edward Nizwantowski, Paula Monahan, Pamela and Samuel Parkinson all of Peabody; his grandchildren Paul, Brad and Amy Nizwantowski, Michael Monahan and wife Melyssa, Ryan Monahan, Ian Parkinson, Colleen Parkinson and her fiancée Matthew Lawless; 2 great grandchildren, Miles and Maeve Monahan. Paul was pre-deceased by his wife of 58 years Barbara A. (Caulfield) Kerkorian, his parents George and Turwanda (Bedigian) Kerkorian, his brothers Daniel and Samuel Kerkorian, and a niece Colleen Caulfield. His family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His Celebration of Life service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to After the Finish Line, 10153 Riverside Drive, Suite 397, Toluca Lake, CA 91602, to benefit retired thoroughbred race horses. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guestbook.