Obituary of Paul Strati

Paul J. Strati, one of the voices for Burlington High School Football for 23 years, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 7, 2017. He was 66 years old. Paul was born in Somerville, the son of Paul S. and Esther Strati. His family moved to Burlington in 1960. Unbeknownst to Paul, his future wife, Carol Mellor, was in his third grade class. At an early age, Paul found his love of sports. He played football and baseball for Burlington High School. He was a member of the BHS Class of 1969. He then went on to Boston State where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. He worked for over 40 years as an executive in the pharmaceutical biotech industry. He and Carol married after college and purchased a home next door to the home where Paul grew up. Paul introduced his children to sports as soon as they could walk. His television clicker only went to sports channels. He loved sharing his passion with his children and encouraged them to participate and appreciate the values and qualities learned in athletics. He coached their Pop Warner football, hockey, baseball, and softball teams. He took on the daunting position of President of the Burlington Hockey and Skating Association for almost 15 years. When his son was in high school, he found his way to the Press Box helping with the play-by-play commentary for the televised games on Burlington’s BCAT channel. He loved sharing his views, adding a bit of his humor and wit, and giving those who couldn’t make the games in person the opportunity to still support our high school teams. Paul, with his cohort, Dan Brothers, would have started their 24th season as announcers for BHS Football this year. Paul also hosted his own show on BCAT called “Sports Call.” Paul and his father’s gardens were featured on several episodes of the Burlington Garden Club’s, “Burlington Blooms.” Paul was simply a man that everyone appreciated and loved. Paul was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends and his doors were always open to them. His warm and friendly disposition, can do mantra, and positive outlook were qualities worth emulating. He would do anything for anyone. He was especially proud of his Italian heritage. One of his passions in life was his love of Classic Cars and his pride and joy, his 65’ Corvette. He shared a wonderful 42 year marriage to his love, Carol. He was so proud of all his children and their spouses. He was especially thankful to his children when they made him a “Papa”. He adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them, playing games, and just seeing them always brought a smile to Paul’s face. Paul also had a great bond with his dad who was also his next door neighbor. They loved to talk about sports and were always there for each other in whatever way possible. Paul’s passing has left an empty place in the hearts of his family and friends and a void in the residents of Burlington who have grown to know Paul through his involvement in sports and cable television. Each time there is a Red Devil touchdown scored, it will bring a memory of Paul and his animated commentary. His voice may be stilled, but his memory will live on. Paul was the beloved husband of Carolyn (Mellor) Strati. He was the loving father of Mark Strati & his wife Colleen of Billerica, Kristina Tamas and her husband Matthew of Mooresville, NC, and Stephanie Weygand & her husband Michael of Burlington. He was the proud Papa to Cailyn & Paul Strati, and Peter, Ashley, & Savanna Tamas. He was the loving son of Paul S. Strati of Burlington and the late Esther Strati. He was the brother of Dianne Sherburne & her husband Jay and uncle to Brandon and Janelle Sherburne of Burlington. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Thursday, September 14 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours at the Sullivan Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Paul’s name may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Assoc., 72 East Concord St., C3, Boston, MA 02118 or www.apdma.org.