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Paul Menton

1925 - 2017

Paul Menton obituary, 1925-2017, Watertown, MA

BORN

1925

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Joyce Funeral Home

245 Main Street

Waltham, Massachusetts

Paul Menton Obituary

Throughout his life Paul Menton was able to do what every well-trained Marine is taught at Parris Island . . . improvise, adapt and overcome. No matter what challenges he faced, he was able to meet them with a smile and a large dose of determination. When Paul left high school as a boy during World War II to join the Marines he was sent to the Pacific and three years later came home a man. After the war he finished high school and went to Suffolk University in Boston where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees. At the same time he went to work as a hospital technician at Boston State Hospital where he met the love of his life, Dorchester native Mary T. Regan. Paul would tell you that his best day came in September, 1950 when he and Mary were married at Saint Ann's in Dorchester. They enjoyed sixty-one happy years until Mary's death on December 16, 2011. So when, after 92 years, the Honorable Paul C. Menton, retired lawyer, judge, politician, FBI agent and Marine, closed his eyes and died at his Watertown home on Sunday, July 16, 2017 he was met by the beautiful smile of his Mary. It was a reunion that both looked forward to and knew would come. After Paul and Mary were married the couple settled in Watertown and while Mary put her nursing career on hold Paul became an FBI agent, trained at Quantico, Virginia and assigned to the bureau's offices first in Kentucky and later in New York City. As their family started arriving Paul made the decision to leave the bureau and return home where he practiced law with his father and his brother, Tom, in Watertown. Paul was born in Cambridge, a son of the late Patrick A. and Lucy A. (Comfort) Menton, and was raised in Watertown where he'd been a lifelong resident. While he was a lawyer all his life he also served for twelve years as a representative from Watertown in the Massachusetts legislature and after that became House counsel. In 1986 he was appointed Associate Justice of the Cambridge District Court where he served until he turned 70. He also presided as a judge in various courts after having been recalled to the bench after his retirement. Long active in town affairs Paul was as a member of Watertown's School Building Committee, Historical Commission, Fair Housing Committee and School Committee. He was also a longtime member of the Pvt. Charles Shutt Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Watertown. He leaves his children P. Christopher Menton and his wife, Judy, of Bristol, Rhode Island, Robert F. Menton of Watertown, Jayne M. Irvine and her husband, Tom, of Falmouth, Brian D. Menton and his wife, Patricia, and Carol Ann Menton, all of Watertown; his grandchildren, Nathan Menton and his wife, Clare, Dina Booher and her husband, Brian, Ryan Menton, Alex Gorman, Christopher Irvine, Jessica Volmer and her husband, Scott, Matthew Menton and his wife, Angie, Patrick Menton and his wife, Becky and Timothy Menton and his wife, Rachael; his great-grandchildren, Hudson and Owen Volmer and Madelyn, Isabelle and Grace Menton and many nieces and nephews. Paul was also a brother of the late James C., Thomas C. and John C. Menton. Family and friends will honor and remember Judge Menton's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, July 21st from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Patrick's Church, 212 Main Street, Watertown where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown. Memorial donations may be made to the New England Center and Home for Veterans, 17 Court Street, P.O. Box 845257, Boston, MA 02284. To offer condolences online, please visit www.JoyceFuneralHome.com

Published by The Watertown Tab & Press from Jul. 19 to Jul. 28, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sorry to be so belated but I only found out yesterday and I want to express my sincere condolences to the Menton family on their loss. I have great memories of Paul dating back to the 60's when I was a curate at St. Pat's in Watertown. Paul served as one of my Lectors and was a teacher in my CCD program and I always treasured our conversations and his and his family's friendship. I am sorry to note his passing.

Pasquale Barletta

Friend

January 22, 2018

I will always remember his infectious smile and the great stories he told!

Bill McMahon

Family Friend

August 2, 2017

May the God of all comfort grant you peace at this difficult time.

July 28, 2017

So sad to hear of Mr. Menton's passing. My dad and he were good friends all through school. Mr. Menton was there for me and my family when my Dad was sick and passed back in 2013. He was such a kind and caring person. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.

Donna Loretti

Family Friend

July 25, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Menton family.

I am very saddened by your loss.

I had the privilege to know The Judge only briefly, and in my capacity as a Watertown Senior Planner/Housing Specialist.

He was well loved, and had a life well lived.

His grace, wit, wisdom and steady nature will be missed, but also much celebrated.

With kind regards,

Andrea Adams
Senior Planner
Watertown, MA

Andrea Adams

Friend

July 24, 2017

My condolences to the Menton family. Paul was truly a great friend who would patiently open his door to me no matter how inane he might have thought my questions. I learned so much from him and always enjoyed our conversations.

William Carito

Friend

July 23, 2017

I fondly remember Judge Menton. Along with my Brother, we worked his campaigns for State Rep,.used his services as an Attorney and greatly admired the man. They do not make public servants like Paul Menton anymore. He will be missed.

richard barry

Friend

July 23, 2017

Paul Menton tossed a pebble into the pond of my life. The ripples will undulate forever in the well spring that came forth. I am so proud to have walked this Earth and have been able to call this man my friend and a mentor to my life. He & Mary gave us a world of love and hope, of faith and perseverance. A humble and wise man in all that he took on, he helped set a course in so many lives it cannot be counted. God Bless you and Mary as I am sure God's love will hold you for eternity as we do in our hearts.

Tom Wetherall

Friend

July 22, 2017

Paul was a great man. A true gentleman and a true public servant. I send my warmest condolences to his whole highly respected and distinguished family.

Will Brownsberger

Friend

July 22, 2017

even though its been 40+ years since Ive seen jayne or her parents, I remember her dad always laughing, always making you feel welcome. Such a happy family.
may he rest in peace now with his lovely wife

condolences to the entire menton family

elaine padula hallisey

Friend

July 22, 2017

My uncle, Paul. Greatly missed but never forgotten. Such an amazing human being/man - uncle, father, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, husband, friend, student, Marine, FBI agent, lawyer, judge, son, grandson, great grandson, person who could counsel, listen to, hug and educate others. Who created sparks of life and spirit that will still be making their mark on this world long, long after we are all gone. Someone who filled every role asked of him and now fills the best of all. RIP, Paul Comfort Menton - with Aunt Mary, your brothers, family and parents too. xoxo Say hello to my dad and my mommy, Gina, for me. Please. Condolences to your family.

Michelle Menton-Kuiper

Family

July 20, 2017

I knew Mary, Ellie, Jeannie , & Paul from my Uncle Joe regan . They would come in to Costco to shop , and always stopped at the desk to say hello to me . I really enjoyed seeing them all together .
My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family
Karen Maloney

Karen Maloney

Family Friend

July 20, 2017

I knew Paul from work at the Residents of Watertown Square, he was a wonderful man and always happy and smiling, he is going to be missed for a long time. We will miss playing mini golf with him.
Rest in peace Paul. ❤

Linda Mott

Friend

July 20, 2017

Paul and Mary were next door neighbors for many years; wonderful, caring people that brought happiness to everyone they came in contact with.

Stuart Meyerson

Neighbor

July 19, 2017

Jessica and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing. Even though I only knew him a few short months, it was a pleasure to know him. When I would go visit Mom and Dad I would always bump into him outside their door and he always had a big beautiful smile from ear to ear. He was a beautiful person and I'm so glad I had a chance to know him ❤

Cheryl (McNally) Howell

Family Friend

July 18, 2017

May God be good to my dear friend and colleague.paul was a star among the judiciary. He will be sorely missed by friends and family

Conrad Bletzer

July 18, 2017

God speed your Honor, you were quite simply the best!!

Dick George

July 18, 2017

May Paul rest in the peace and love of God.

Frank Woodward

July 18, 2017

Work at the Residents on the Square Paul was the kindest , sweetest man always smiling! I will miss seeing him and playing mini golf. Rest In Peace. ❤

Barbara Lacerra

Friend

July 18, 2017

To the Menton Family

Please accept my deepest sympathies. To put it simply --- the judge was a great guy, who touched many lives and made a difference.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Sullivan

Michael Sullivan

July 17, 2017

Paul and I were parishoners at St. Pats. We often preferred the 12 o'clock Mass. I was a "Welcomer" at the parking lot end of the church. He was a wonderful gentle man who always wore a genuine smile. When I told him we were related through marriage via nephew Mark (my sister Carol) his smile widened. He kept track through me whether or not Mark was home as he wanted to go for a ride down the Charles throuth the locks out into the Atlantic won Mark's boat docked at the Watertown Yacht Club. Always mentioning Mark spending summers with his family in Falmouth back in the day. He knew my Dad too. They were classmates at WHS before WW2 sent them into different branches of service to our country. I'm glad to have known you Paul C. Menton. Rest in Peace with your beloved Mary in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Marylou Marchant

Mary Marchant

Family

July 17, 2017

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Memorial Events
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Jul

21

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Joyce Funeral Home

245 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02453

Jul

22

Calling hours

8:00 a.m.

Joyce Funeral Home

245 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02453

Jul

22

Funeral Mass

9:00 a.m.

Saint Patrick's Church

212 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02453

Funeral services provided by:

Joyce Funeral Home

245 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02453

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