Fernando O. Paulo, Sr., 79, of Chicopee, MA and Boca Raton, FL, passed away on November 14, 2016 at the University Of Miami Hospital surrounded by his loving children. He is survived by his beloved children Fernando O. Paulo, Jr. of Pittsfield, MA, Dr. MaryLou and her husband Carlos Francisco of Boca Raton, FL, Diane and her husband Matthew Cross of Chicopee, and four grandchildren, Freddy, Dylan, Angelina and Lauren and great-grandson Aiden. Fernando was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Maria Jesus (July 14, 2013). He is survived by his sister, Christina Afonso, of St. Petersburg, FL and his brother Antonio Paulo of Ludlow, MA, his Godchildren: Maria de Lourdes Dos Santos, Alice Paulo Carvalho, Bemvinda Luisa DoCarmo Economou, Fatima DoCarmo Mendes, Jack DoCarmo Paulo and Paulo Gonçalves and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings: Joaquim, Jacinto, Maria, Sylvester and Laurinda.

He immigrated to the United States, in 1953, at the age of 15. He was a retired Foreman and Heavy Equipment Operator in the construction field and a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 478. He was a proud Portuguese American. He was the oldest surviving original member of the Portuguese American Club of Chicopee. He was co-founder of the Chicopee Portuguese American Club Soccer Team and co-founder, along with his wife, of the Chicopee Portuguese Folklore Dance Group. He loved soccer (Benfica), making wine, vacationing in Portugal, gardening, cooking, playing cards, hunting, western shows and playing his drums. He also loved hosting and entertaining his family and friends and he will be missed by them all.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 19th in Chicopee, MA.