Paul Joseph Washek

Paul was a graduate of Stonehill College and Cardinal Spellman High School and served honorably in the US Coast Guard for four years. He realized his goal of becoming a Brockton Police Officer in 1978 and served for twenty-seven years, first as an officer and then as a detective. While at BPD, Paul played a major role in implementing community policing, domestic violence prevention and officer stress response programs. After retiring from the police force, he continued to work other jobs, contributing to those workplaces as meaningfully and intentionally as he did everywhere else. He was honest, hardworking, and friendly to all that he met. He genuinely cared about people and was always willing to lend a helping hand and went out of his way to support others in need.

Paul was deeply spiritual, wise, funny and irreverent, disciplined, and kind to his core; his compassion for others and love of family had no bounds. His generosity of spirit was remarkable; his generosity drove him, and he championed and lifted up everyone he loved. He was an avid and talented gardener, a music lover and joyful dancer, and an enthusiastic and creative playmate to his treasured grandchildren. Nature was Paul’s center, and he enjoyed marveling in and about nature.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 18 years, Gwendolyn Park DeVasto, and his beloved daughters, Allyson Hyland (Tom) of Lakeville and Aimee Gauss (Kemraj Esar) of Plymouth. He was the stepfather of Phil DeVasto (Amanda) of Portland, Oregon and Lauren Harrington (Parker) of Kingston. Paul delighted in being Opa to his grandchildren, Liam Gauss, Ellie Hyland, Brady and London Harrington, and Penelope and Pippa DeVasto. He was especially close to his adoring siblings, Diane Washek (Lloyd Thompson) of Marblehead, John Washek (Leo Jefferson) of Charlotte NC, Barbara Hogan of Norton, and Lauri Howard (Frank) of Brockton. He is also survived by his in-laws Donald Park Jr (Kim), Gretchen George (Jay) and Katrina Park (Wayne Paige). He was a cherished uncle to Kari Rodgers, Alessandra Thompson (Geneva Griswold), Gabrielle Thompson (Bruno Ribeiro), Nathaniel Thompson (Alyssa), Kelly McKinnon (Mark Jr.), Paul Howard (Eric Cataldo), Kristyn Howard, Pearl Jefferson, Clara Jefferson, Willomena Jefferson, Lindsay Park, Courtney Jones (Robert), Chris Park (Jackie), Andrew George, Ryan George, and Jillian Park-Paige, and great uncle to Kiley and Mark McKinnon III., Carter Hogan, Emmett and Archer Thompson, Chris and Tommy Park, Max and Sonny Jones, and Aidan Park.

Paul was predeceased by his loving parents, Paul C. Washek and Barbara Washek Howard, his stepfather Frank Howard, his nephew Shaun Hogan, his mother-in-law Roberta Sealund Park and his father-in-law Donald E. Park. He leaves behind many friends and acquaintances who remember his loving kindness and compassion for all people.

Services and burial will be private. A celebration of life is planned for a future date.