Charlton: Paul W. Pettinelli, 69, of Charlton, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 17th, at UMass – Harrington, Southbridge.

He leaves his beloved wife of 32 years, Dawn M. (Sheppard) Pettinelli; his son, Chace J. Pettinelli of Charlton; and a sister, Carol Neill, and her husband Tom of Sturbridge.

He was born in Southbridge, the son of the late Silvio W. and June E. (Chace) Pettinelli.

Paul graduated from Southbridge High School and worked as a groundskeeper and heavy equipment operator for Old Sturbridge Village before retiring after 45 years.

He had a tremendous love of nature and being outdoors, where he would regularly hike and ride the bike trails. Paul was very proud of his vegetable garden, especially his bountiful corn crops.  He also enjoyed playing golf with friends and family. Paul had a gift for crossword puzzles, was a voracious reader, and had a great passion for music, a trait he passed along to his son.

His family meant everything to him, especially his wife and companion, Dawn, and his son, Chace, with whom he held a special bond. Paul had many friends and was loved by everybody. He was a kind and gentle soul, who never had a bad word to say about anyone and would help his family, friends & neighbors with whatever was needed at the drop of a hat. He was a great animal lover, and over the years took in many strays. He leaves his current cat, Bruno, who like all of us is already missing him dearly.

A funeral Mass for Paul will be held on Thursday, March 24th, at 10:00am in St. Anne's Church at St. Anne & St. Patrick Parish, 16 Church St., Sturbridge.

Burial will be private at a later time.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 23rd, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Pantry of St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge, MA 01550 or to the Jacob Edwards Library at 236 Main St, Southbridge, MA 01550.