Michael Paradiso

" Belchertown - Michael Paradiso, 83, died May 4, 2016 after a long illness. Born in Bristol, RI on April 3, 1933, he was the son of the late Peter and Gaetana (Potenza) Paradiso. Michael proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He has lived in Belchertown since 1972. Michael worked for Lacasse Heating & Cooling of Holyoke as an oil burner technician for 35 years. After retiring from Lacasse, he enjoyed many successful years as a self-employed oil burner technician operating Mike's Burner Service from his Belchertown home. Michael enjoyed deep-sea fishing and quahogging in the ocean off the shore of Rhode Island. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Martha (Russell) Paradiso of Belchertown. He also leaves his children, Ann Marie Rebello and her husband Tony of Florida, Rosemary Greaney and her husband Michael of Belchertown, Francis Dixon and his wife Sylvie of Chicopee, Patricia Kroll and her husband Michael of South Deerfield, Maryann Rutkowski and her husband John of Athol, Mary Ann Petty and her husband Larry of Tennessee, Stephen "Rocky" Snow and his wife Diane of Westfield, Donna Lopatosky of Three Rivers, Dora Marcille of Northampton, Dale Ulmer and his wife Aileen of South Carolina and Michael Ulmer and his wife Ellen of Ludlow. He was predeceased by two children, Peter Paradiso and Roger Ulmer and six siblings. He will be missed by his two remaining sisters, Suzanne Joy of Vermont and Antoinetta Troiano of Rhode Island. Michael also leaves behind 23 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews as well as his best friend, Charles "Dewey" Wright and his wife Virginia of Pennsylvania, who remained his closest friend since his days in the service. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 9th at 4:00 pm at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. A calling hour will precede the service from 3:00-4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of one's choice. "