Paul Kalman Vaida

PAUL KALMAN VAIDA

It is with sadness that the family of Paul Kalman Vaida announce his passing on May 21, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving and grateful family.

Paul was a lucky man. He always said so. Born in Willimantic, he was the son of Charles Vaida and Grace Purcell, and was later lovingly adopted by his stepmother, Edwina Vaida. Paul spent his early years on the farm in Phoenixville, and in Boston, Marblehead, Quincy and Holbrook, before settling with his family and friends in the Cricket Drive neighborhood of Sturbridge. He later built his final home on the family plot, “the lake,” on Crystal Pond in Eastford, a place that brought him peace and happiness his whole life.

At his core, Paul was a devoted family man and a hard worker. He believed deeply in providing for his family and giving them every opportunity to pursue their own paths in life.

After graduating from Brighton High School, Paul joined the United States Marine Corps. Following his honorable service, he embarked on a lifelong career with New England Telephone, NYNEX and Verizon. Paul dedicated decades to the phone company, serving as a lineman and a manager before retiring.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Cecelia Vaida; his daughter, Theresa Kaslusky and her husband Scott; his sons, Paul Vaida and his wife Veronica, and Charlie Vaida and his wife Karina. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Abigail, Chloe, Alex, Dylan and George. He was predeceased by his brother, Charlie.

Paul was, all at once, a city boy and a farm boy. He carried with him a deep appreciation for the land, the back roads and time spent around the dining room table enjoying Cecelia’s delicious meals. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin and friend.

He embraced life’s simple pleasures. Paul was an excellent skier who judged a day based on the number of runs he got in. He loved riding his motorcycle, having a catch with his kids, watching the sun set with Cecelia on their pontoon boat, puttering around the yard, stacking wood and relaxing with a good book and a glass of Scotch.

Retirement gave Paul the chance to enjoy a peaceful life on the lake and travel with Cecelia. They embraced the world, creating lasting and meaningful memories. Paul and Cecelia loved the National Parks, Alaska, Ireland, Hungary and cruising. Kenya was their favorite trip together.

His love for Cecelia, his children and grandchildren could not be measured. He was a protector and provider, dependable, stubborn in the best ways and deeply caring.

A Mass celebrating Paul’s life will be held at St. Anne’s Parish on June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Publick House in Sturbridge. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Paul’s generous spirit, donations may be made to The Salvation Army in his memory.

Paul will be sorely missed but forever remembered by those who loved him and were inspired by the life he lived.

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