Paul Mark Sirade

PAUL MARK SIRADE, 64, of Stamford , died peacefully on Sunday, December 19, at his home. Mr. Sirade was born in Greenwich , CT , a son of the late John Mark Sirade and Florence Druscilla (Gordon) Sirade.

Mr. Sirade attended Rippowam High School and graduated from The University of Connecticut graduated as an Honor Scholar with an undergraduate degree in microbiology. Mr. Sirade continued his studies at Columbia University , receiving a graduate degree in microbiology and chemistry.

Mr. Sirade had a great love of teaching and turned his attention to sharing his vast knowledge with Stamford ’s youth as a teacher at Turn of River Middle School. He taught science at TOR from 1969 until his retirement in 2005. Mr. Sirade always said he enjoyed every single day of teaching. He strove to impart the best lessons that he could to his students, and related that he would prefer not to look at students previous year’s test scores so that he would not be inclined to pre-judge them, rather wanting to instruct them with the attitude that they all came to his classroom possessing potential and ability to be successful learners. Mr. Sirade also administered the accelerated science program that focused on those students considered ‘gifted and talented.’

A lifetime resident of Stamford , Mr. Sirade was a member of the Central Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where he served as a minister and publisher of the good news of God’s Kingdom. Mr. Sirade treasured the knowledge he gained about this good news and the hope God’s Kingdom gave him, especially since he had endured a lifetime of challenging health issues. Mr. Sirade took joy in generously sharing his hope with all whom he met.

Mr. Sirade is survived by his aunt, Mrs. Mary Shimko. He was predeceased by his brother, John David Sirade. Mr. Sirade also leaves behind many dear friends from the Central Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses who will miss his loquacious personality and steady presence at the Kingdom Hall.

The funeral procession will begin at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford , and continue to Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery , 230 Oaklawn Avenue , Stamford . William Weinert will officiate at the funeral. There will be no calling hours.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 891 Newfield Avenue , Stamford . Robert W. Fickett will officiate.