Obituary of Paul Hennessey

Paul S. Hennessey, 91, son of Charles and Maude Hennessey died on November 26, 2013. Graduating from Cony High School, Augusta, ME, he entered the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon his discharge, he began his post-secondary education, earning degrees from Bowdoin College where he studied languages and from Harvard University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Education. Studying in Europe and Mexico, he taught foreign languages at Gould Academy in Bethel, ME and at St. John’s School in Houston, TX, before returning to the Northeast to teach at Belmont High School and Lexington High School, from which he retired in 1981. At Lexington High School, he organized the first Red Cross Blood Drive while serving on the Red Cross Executive Board and he was also responsible for the formation of LHS’s first girls’ soccer team. Coordinator and teacher of the English Program for the Migrant Workers for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, he taught English with the Civic Education Program for Adults. A resident of Burlington for over fifty years, he served as Conservation Commissioner and as Board member of the Mystic Valley Mental Health Association. A member of the Harvard Club of Boston, he was also a member of the Massachusetts Retired Teachers’ Association. After early retirement from education, he became an agent and broker for Transamerica Life Insurance Companies, working out of the Boston, Wellesley and Needham offices. He maintained his license until his death. A volunteer for AARP, he worked as a tax counselor for the Aging in Boston and at the Council on Aging in Burlington and Bedford, he also volunteered on Earthwatch Expeditions in the U.S. and abroad. Of all his accomplishments, Mr. Hennessey was most proud of the marriage he built with his wife of 56 years, Sally (Janie) O. Hennessey. Together, their travels throughout the world included all of the United States and every continent. His daughters, Kathleen H. Floyd and Julia Bliss and one grandchild, Rachael Floyd, whom he treasured, also survive him. Paul’s interests included; skiing (downhill and cross-country, snowshoeing), extensive travel, camping, hiking, Irish music, Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman concerts, conversing in different languages, love of reading, daily exercise, checking off destinations in The 1000 Places to See Before You Die. Tried deep sea fishing! Paul was the devoted husband of Sally “Janie” Hennessey. Loving father of Kathleen H. Floyd of Shrewsbury and Julia Bliss of Beverly. Proud grandfather of Rachael Floyd of Shrewsbury. Brother of the late Robert and William Hennessey. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington on Monday, December 2 at 10 a.m. A memorial visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Sunday from 3-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local food bank or any animal advocacy group are encouraged.