Southbridge: Paul F. Hefner, 80, of Southbridge, passed away on Friday, Aug. 2nd, in the Christopher House in Worcester, following a long illness.

Paul leaves his son, Christopher Hefner and Chris's wife, Lynda Hefner, of Plymouth; a sister, Deborah Hefner and her husband Paul, of Montclair, NJ; three grandchildren, Bailey Hefner and Kiley Hefner, of California and Christian Marenich of New York; one great-grandchild, Bella Marenich of New York; his former wife, Nancy B. (Williams) Hefner of Southbridge; his nieces Kimberly Hefner of Southbridge and Noelle Droz of Montclair NJ; and his nephews Thomas Droz, of Montclair, NJ and Shawn Hefner of London, England.  He was predeceased by his brother, Bruce B. Hefner.  He was born in Southbridge, the son of the late Bernard W. and Ruth C. (Oldfield) Hefner.

Paul was a graduate of Southbridge High School and later, served in the U.S. Air Force during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. He dedicated much of his life to serving the community of Southbridge as a firefighter for 26 years and always took pride in his profession and the difference it can make in the lives of those in a community.

He was proud of his leadership role as a football coach for almost 20 years at Southbridge High School, Bay Path High School, and WPI in Worcester. It was in this capacity that Paul made a true difference in the lives of many local youths.  Paul expected a lot of his players on and off the field. Coaching was more than wins and losses for him it was about molding young men into even better men after they left high school.

In his retirement, Paul spent three years in California with his son and helping whenever needed to care for his grandson Bailey and granddaughter Kiley, when they were young. This was one of the happiest and most cherished times of his life. Paul could often be seen walking around downtown Southbridge and sitting outside the fire station on a bench. He travelled to Myrtle Beach, SC each winter for many years and loved to walk on the beach and boardwalk, and locate every local Dunkin Donuts.  Paul often visited his sister in Montclair, NJ in his later years and enjoyed watching local sports and making his family laugh at his reaction when seeing Yogi Berra in church.

The family thanks the community for the outpouring of messages of support and memories. Paul would be truly humbled and honored.

Calling hours for Paul will be held on Friday, Aug. 9th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Paul's funeral service and burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Southbridge with a final salute from the Southbridge Fire Department will be private.

Southbridge Fire Department will also honor Paul by adding his name to the annual memorial plaque.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Southbridge High School Football Team, c/o Southbridge High School, 132 Torrey Road, Southbridge, MA 01550.