Peter Mortensen

Paul Botticello, Jr., age 79, of Andover passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024. He was predeceased by his beloved husband, Peter Mortensen, as well as his parents Paul and Evelyn Botticello.

Paul is survived by his siblings, Tom Botticello (Noreen), Don Botticello (Marcell), and Sue Joyce (Paul); brothers-in-law, Bruce Mortensen (Becky), Ronald Mortensen (Nina), Rodney Mortensen (Sheryl); sisters-in-law, Karen Cote (Cliff) and Beverly Mortensen (James Cetran); his uncle and friend, Ron Frey; many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; and countless other family and friends.

A proud veteran, Paul honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut and was employed for decades as the Executive Director of AIDS Project Hartford. He was passionate about his work, loved to travel, and was an avid reader. His family will remember him for his kind and generous heart, his love of animals, and his incredible cooking. Christmas Eve dinner will never be the same.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Protectors of Animals, 144 Main Street, Unit O, East Hartford, CT 06118. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Paul, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com