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Paul Francis Aylward

Paul Aylward Obituary

Tall, strong and handsome, passed away in the presence of his son, Paul F. Aylward, Jr. ("PJ") November 13, 2007. His last gift to all his friends and family was his message to PJ: "I love you". Paul's strong heart is at peace now, after many days and nights sustaining him through a long journey with cancer. His courage never flagged; he calmly and stoically accepted all that life offered him. Paul was and is incredibly well loved and admired by myriad friends and family; in his presence there was peace, understanding, acceptance and love for all. Paul was a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, a Senior Vice President with the Marr Companies, and among other things, a poet, baker, trusted mentor and friend. More than the sum of any of these labels, however, he was a shining example to live by. Paul is survived by his wife Barbara Aylward, by his eight daughters, Kathy Kelly, Tisi Farrar, Ambie Fay, Joanie Kingsley, Paula Aylward, Susu Aylward, Renata Flynn, and Kristen Aylward, and by his son PJ Aylward. Paul is also survived by Bernadette Aylward. In addition, Paul has 10 grandchildren, Brendan Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Hannah Fay, Ryan Fay, Ned Kingsley, Max Kingsley, Doug Kingsley, Scott Kingsley, Maggie Flynn and Finlay Aylward. He is also survived by step-children Jason Freitas and Ilana Freitas. Paul is also survived by his siblings, Ethnea, Mary, Helen, Richard, James, Francis, William, Thomas, and Clare. He was the brother of the late John Kevin and the late Robert Gerard. Visiting hours will be Friday in the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 56 Washington St., (Rte. 16), WELLESLEY HILLS from 5-8 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday morning, November 17, 2007 in St. Paul's Church, 500 Washington St, Wellesley at 10 o'clock. Interment will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute 10, Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226. Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home Wellesley Hills www.henryburkefuneralhome.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Aylward

20 Entries

Mary Aylward Stewart

November 23, 2007

Paul lived the prayer of St. Francis. He was an instrument of God’s peace.
Where he found hatred, Paul sewed love.
Where there was injury, he quickly offered pardon.
Where there was doubt, he proffered faith.
Where there was despair, Paul tendered hope.
Where he found darkness, he lit up the room.
Where he encountered sadness, Paul brought tremendous joy.

Paul did not seek to be consoled; rather he offered consolation.
Nor did he seek to be understood; he extended understanding.
To be loved was not his pursuit, but people loved Paul.
He recognized that it was in giving that he received,
And in pardoning that he was pardoned.
And in dying to self -- the “I” and the “Me” --
Paul is now born to eternal life.

Rest in peace, my dear, sweet, beautiful brother.

Mary Aylward Stewart
Spoken at the funeral Mass of her brother, Paul Francis Aylward
Saturday, November 17, 2007
St. Paul Church, Wellesley, MA

Reani Hasenfus, RN

November 21, 2007

Words cannot express my sympathy to your family. I had the sincerest pleasure of knowing Paul in his few final hours. I laughingly teased this gentle giant that if he ever played baseball he would need no mit as he had the largest, strongest hands I had ever seen. Unbeknownst to me, he was a baseball player, and a Red Sox to boot. Never did he let on - that humble and stoic man. It was only later did I learn that he was a former pitcher. Forever will his strong, calm and warm presence be in my mind. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Andrea George

November 18, 2007

Although I did not know Paul, from reading about him and from what Ilana has shared with me, he must have been an amazing person! All of Paul's family is in my heart and in my prayers. God Bless!

Jane M. Tardif

November 17, 2007

When feeling quite sad of late, I glanced over at my dear friend's often discussed 'table' and saw things as they are today with clarity, awareness, and acceptance. I then smiled and thought how very, very grateful I am to have known and loved Paul. He and all that he gave will be with me for a long, long time!

Susan Wales

November 17, 2007

Dearest Tisi and Marlowe,

Ken joins me in expressing our deepest sympathies to you and your family with special thoughts to your mother.

Your dad left a beautiful legacy---seven wonderful daughters and a son and their families! Tisi, I feel blessed to have you as my friend. You are the kindest and most caring person I've ever known, and many of your special traits must have come from your dad.

And what a blessing your dad got to see the Redsocks exciting season!

I know you will miss your father, but keep remembering . . . one day Jesus will wipe away every tear, and we shall all be together again in heaven . . . forever!

All of you are in our hearts and prayers.

With love and sympathy,
xoxxo

Kristen Burns

November 16, 2007

Nature needs no reason why,
We just stand and stare and sigh.
We need our spirit to translate,
What overwhelms the human state.
Awe and wonder most of all,
Then bitter taste of feeling small.
Words profane the scene below,
We reluctantly let go.

We came, we saw, we wonder how,
we leave, but know one spirit now.
Grand Canyon, Paul Aylward

I only knew Paul and his family for less than a week. But it was in that short week I witnessed the love he had for each one of his children and wife. You are all very lucky to of had a wonderful father and husband. The support you provided for him each and every day/night he spent at BWH was what helped him through. He did not spend one minute of his last days alone,only surrounded by those he loved. Being a nurse, I say goodbye to many patients far too often. But Paul made it very hard to say goodbye.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Peggy O'Neill

November 16, 2007

Dearest Aylward Family,
I just heard of your Dad passing.
I always knew he was very special..
He died on my Birthday. I will always remember the wonderful times
at Regis! He was just a grand gentlemen. Love to all, Peggy O'Neill

Eric Winer

November 16, 2007

Barbara-Kristen-and Family.
Please accept my most heartfelt and sincerest condolences on Paul's passing...I loved that man for his wonderful outlook on life, for the people he has helped along his wonderful journey, and for everything he stood for...
Love Eric Winer "Top of The Hill"

Gail Grasso

November 16, 2007

Dear Tisi,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Though I never knew him, I can see his love through you and your wonderful friendship. He raised a beautiful family.
Love,
Gail

Kevin and Therese O'Malley

November 16, 2007

Joan and Family, we lived on Bryn Mawr for 18 years and there was rarely a day or week that went by that we did not see and talk with Paul. He was always warm and friendly to Therese and me and our children. I fondly recall our discussions on baseball and the Red Sox. Often we would stop in his home and the time would pass so swiftly. When we moved to Needham we lost touch but it was nice to go back occasionally and see him and the neighbors. He has a beautiful legacy of children, grandchildren and achievement in his professional career. May God welcome him into his eternal reward.

Kristin Aylward

November 15, 2007

My deepest sympathies..I love Michael's Uncle Paul and I'm so sad to hear of his passing!!!
My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time!
(Francis Aylward's daughter-in-law and Michael Aylward's wife)

Victoria Curran

November 15, 2007

Paul,
i was very sad to hear about your passing. I didnt know you very well.. but i knew you. Anytime i saw you, you had a smile on your face. you will be missed by so many.. but your legacy will live on.. i hope that when you looked back on your life you realized all the accomplishments that have come your way.. now the war is over and you can rest in peace..
Barbara, my deepest sympathy, keep your head up..
Love always,
Victoria (Robert's little sister)

Jay Hurley

November 15, 2007

May you rest in peace, Paul. On behalf of the entire membership of the Iron Workers District Council of New England, especially Local 7 in South Boston where you played such an instrumental role in building a first-class apprenticeship program as a JAC management trustee, please know that your leadership and guidance was appreciated.

Tara Murphy

November 15, 2007

Joanie (and Kathy, Tisi, Ann, Paula, Susu, Renata, Kristen & PJ)

I was deeply saddened to learn of your father's passing. So many memories.. so long ago! My thoughts are with you all.

Much Love
T(or as Tall Paul would remember me Tubs!)

Melissa McEntire

November 15, 2007

Barbara and Paul's Family,
I send you my love and hold you close in my heart. I will always treasure the times we have spent together and know that, in knowing Paul, I have witnessed true compassion and loving kindness. I will miss you.

Becky, Bill, Sarah and Emily Conners

November 15, 2007

The best backyard neighbor a family could ask for was Paul
Friend in Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall
With his sparkling eyes and warm loving heart
He was a friend right from the start.

When sharing his homemade treat,
Scuffin, brownie, or cookie to eat,
He’d say:
“Come on in, sit down and have a taste,
I baked them today, don’t let them to go to waste.”

My daughters, oh, how they loved him!
Their “Uncle Paul” is what they called him.
Crying last night, my daughters and I,
Decided to write him a poem, to say goodbye

He’s watched us grow, as a family will do,
Oh Uncle Paul, we’re glad we got to share our lives with you!

Dearest Barbara, all you have to do is call,
we’re here for you, any time at all!

Joan Milford

November 15, 2007

Tisi - So sorry to learn of your dad's passing. I know he must have been a wonderful person as I always enjoyed your company and you always spoke so highly of your family.
Thinking of you during these most difficult times.

Bob Jenney

November 15, 2007

Dear Barbara and Family,

Kathy and I were so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you.

Your neighbors and friends,

Bob Jenney & Kathy Kavanagh

Mary O'Neil

November 15, 2007

To Paul’s Family,

My deepest sympathy for your great loss. I loved Paul dearly. So many of us will miss his company, his counsel, humor and wit. Paul was certainly a powerful example of a righteous man.

I was sad and scared when my brother passed away recently. I called Paul to talk things over. He told me he would be there at the church. The weather was so bad he could not make it. He and Barbara made it to Mary’s later that day though, where my sisters and I were having tea. You see, he said he would be there and he was. He was one of those important people who show up for you.

I am sad today because of the loss of this great man. Paul’s way of being was all about service to others. My heart is grateful for his good example. I will cherish his memory. You will be greatly missed, Paul.

All love to you.

Your Loving Cousin,

Mary O’Neil

Robert A.

November 15, 2007

Paul and Barbara, we love you so much. Paul gave us all the gift of ourselves, teaching us that we had 'all we need right inside'. He is not gone, for all the many lessons taught through his example belong to everyone of us.

If it can be said that angels walk the earth, then we have surely been in the presence of one.

"We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace."

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