Buzzards Bay resident Paul Caldwell died Friday, Feb. 26 with his loving family by his side at the McCarthy Care Center, after a long battle with A.L.S. He was 82.

He was born Paul Arthur Caldwell on Dec. 13, 1933, in Olean, New York, the son of Irving and Mary (Cooney). He grew up in Smethport, Pennsylvania, graduating from high school there in 1952.

On July 14, 1961, Paul was united in marriage to Ruth Pekarski in Wareham.

Paul worked at the Otis Air Force Base as a bowling alley mechanic and for Coca Cola of Cape Cod as a service technician, from which he retired in 1998. After his retirement, he was a faithful driver for the Wareham Council on Aging for 7 years.

He was a lover of music, an accomplished guitarist who played by ear, and in later years a world traveler. He was a pied piper to children, knew no strangers, and had a nickname for everyone. He will be greatly missed.

He was a member of the St. Margaret’s Parish in Buzzards Bay.

Preceding Paul in death were his parents, and siblings: Irving, Edward, Bernard, George and Mary Frances.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 54 years Ruth, his children Thomas Carey, Susan Hastings and her husband Don, Colleen Zittlosen and her husband Russell, David Caldwell and his wife Betsy, and daughter-in-law Becky Carey. He is also survived by nin grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial mass on Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at The St. Margaret’s Parish in Buzzards Bay. Internment will be private.

A special “thank you” for the loving care given by Hope Hospice, and The McCarthy Care Center in East Sandwich.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in Paul’s name to the A.L.S. Foundation of Buzzards Bay, 1 Trowbridge Rd, Ste. 322, P.O. Box 229, Bourne, MA 02532.

Friends may share condolences, and sign the register book online, at, www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com