Paul E. Trahan's Obituary
Paul E. Trahan, age 76 of Gainesville, Florida passed away Monday February 22, 2016 at Pruitt Health Center, Harrisburg, NC. He was born on March 6, 1939 in Southbridge, MA to Leo and Jeanette Trahan.
After graduating high school, he was hired by General Electric where he attended their trade school program working on transformers. He later attended night school and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
He began working in computer programming with GE, was promoted and transferred from Pittsfield, MA to the GE plant in Hickory, NC, then to the GE Battery Division in Alachua, FL in 1973 where he worked as the Manager of Systems and Programming. He remained with the Battery Division, after it was sold to Gates Energy Systems and then to Energizer, until his retirement in 2002.
He loved music and taught himself how to play the guitar. After retirementhe joined a band called Second Wind, a group of retirees who played music for the local Senior Center and nursing homes.
He was an active member at Holy Faith Catholic Church for many years then later at Queen of Peace Catholic Church working with the folk choir, Catholic Charities, Cursillo, Eucharistic Ministry, and Renew groups.
He enjoyed hiking and camping, and in his youth would also rock climb with his siblings in the New England area. The White Mountains of New Hampshire were his favorite area and became a family favorite as well.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Lucille Trahan and grandson Shawn Yoho. He is survived by his children, Marc (Catherine Sturgill) Trahan, Brian (Tammy) Trahan both of Gainesville, Kevin (Melissa) Trahan of Fulshear, TX, Melissa (Jeff) Pitts of Huntersville, NC, Tammy (Dave) Yoho of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Travis and Scott Sturgill-Trahan, Christopher, Stephanie and Brianna Trahan, Kristin, Lauren, Allison and Jacob Trahan, Hannah and Josh Pitts, Michael, Justin, Samantha, Jacob, Hunter and Dylan Yoho, and great granddaughter Alexis Trahan and great grandson Logan Cash.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 29, 2016 at 10:00 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Fr. Jeff McGowan as celebrant. Interment will be in Memorial Park Central. The family will receive friends Sunday, February 28, 2016, 4:00pm to 6:00pm at WILLIAMS THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street and also Monday, February 29, 2016 at 9:00am in the chapel at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Research at alz.org or Catholic Charities, 1701 NE 9 St, Gainesville, FL 32609.
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