Paul Havener Jr.
Waterford — Paul E. Havener Jr., 71, of Quaker Hill, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at home.
Paul was born July 29, 1946, in Waterville, Maine, the son of Paul E. and Esther (Brown) Havener. A 1964 graduate of Waterford High School, Paul was employed for 42 years as a senior structural designer at Electric Boat, where he served as president of the Apprentice Alumni Association and retired in 2012. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a medical service specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1972.
An active participant in his community, he served as chairman of the Waterford Board of Education, the School Building Committee, the Democratic Town Committee, and was a long-time member of the Marine Draftsmens Association (MDA-UAW Local 571). He joined the For Corvettes Only club in 2003 and quickly rose to be an integral and invaluable member, eventually becoming president until his death.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Barbara (Leduc) Havener; a daughter, Amy Havener and her husband, John J. Brown of Waterford; a son, Michael Havener and his wife, Emily of Charleston, S.C.; a brother, Dennis Havener and his wife, Dorothy of Ocala, Fla.; and three grandchildren, Savannah and Maya Brown and Alexander Havener.
Paul was a very strong member of the community in which he lived. Always willing to lend a hand to someone in need, he worked tirelessly to build bonds with his neighbors and made friends wherever he went. He was very charismatic and was able to motivate others to work together to make things happen. He was a hard worker and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. If something needed to be done, he was at the forefront ready to pitch in. He loved his family with a fierce love and was a loyal friend. He was enamored of his grandchildren and proud of his family.
Calling hours are Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. May 15, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. The funeral procession will assemble at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the funeral home and proceed to St. John’s Church, 22 Maple Ave., Montville, for a Mass of Christian burial at 1:30 p.m.