Paul John Lemek

Paul J. Lemek, aged 82, died peacefully on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on July 2, 1942, in Rockville, CT to Frank and Stephanie Lemek. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverly Lemek (formerly Harvell). He also is survived by his sisters Ann Kennedy of Stafford, CT and Barbara Zemanek of Dunlap, TN and by three children, Steven and his spouse Debra, Paul, and Margaret Ann (Peggy) and her spouse David Royal. Paul also leaves behind many grandchildren; Jessica and her spouse Ryan Jaeger, Rachel and her spouse Alex Anderson, Katelyn and her spouse Robert Ferron, Ashley Royal and her fiancé Neil Cuddy, Rebecca and her spouse James Welton, Ryan Royal and his partner Cassidy Taylor, Dane Royal and his fiancé Megan Hibbs, Chase Lemek, and one great-grandchild Judah Welton with more on the way.

Paul served his country in the USAF during the Vietnam era and enjoyed sharing stories from his time in the military. His favorite story was about dodging a tornado and then the massive clean-up at Sheppard AFB, TX. His lesson learned from that event was to not remain in tornado alley, so he moved back to Rockville, CT when his time in the service ended. This is where fate had him meet Beverly Harvell and they made their home there for 60 years.

Paul was an engineer with Pratt and Whitney for 38 years where he made lifelong friends that became family. He was an avid outdoorsman where he and Bev loved spending time on the water or just outdoors. There were many memorable weekends spent on the boat or just docked at the marina in Mystic, CT sharing fish tales. They would alternate summers in Mystic with 30-day excursions to Alaska to fish, hike, camp and just explore the scenic countryside with lifelong friends. One of the most memorable moments from one of these trips was catching a 278 lb. Halibut in Homer, AK.

Paul was a long-time member of the Stafford Fish and Game Club where he assisted with hosting game dinners and where he trained Lady, their 1st English Setter dog. He was also long-time members of the American Legion and Saint Bernard’s parish. He attended St Joseph’s school and Rockville High and was very proud of his Polish heritage.

Outdoors was a big part of Paul’s life but his true passion was family. Bev was the center of his life, but Paul dedicated his time to sharing his experience with his children and grandchildren. Whether it was scouting, gymnastics, dance, school, fishing, hunting, dog training, you name it, Paul was right there supporting, leading, guiding or spectating. He loved them all dearly and would light up talking about each and every one of them.

A Celebration of life will be held at the Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue East Hartford, CT 06108 ( www.newkirk&whitney.com ) on June 7, 2025 from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. A Prayer Service will be held at the Funeral Home at 11AM.