Paul V. Bargas

Paul V. Bargas, 77 SOUTH PORTLAND -- Paul V. Bargas, 77, husband of Edwina (Winnie) M. Bargas, passed away suddenly at his home in South Portland on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. He was born Jan. 20, 1932, in the Town of Elmo, Kan. to the late Jessie and Maria Bargas, attended school in Hope and Wilsey Kansas. Paul joined the U.S. Navy on April 24, 1950, and served in the submarine service with tours aboard USS Blackfin, USS(N) Skipjack (plank owner of the first nuclear sub built from keel plate up as nuclear), USS(N) U.S. Grant (plank Owner - gold crew), USS Halibut and USS Barb. He attained the rank of Senior Chief in March of 1969 and retired from active duty March 6, 1970. Paul continued service to his country in the Naval reserve until Sept. 1, 1979. During Paul's military service he developed a love for the sea and the culinary skills that he will be remembered for. He worked as a chef for the Eastland Hotel in Portland, co-owned and was head chef at Maria's restaurant on Waterman Drive and later at P&J's restaurant on the South Portland waterfront. Paul joined the Merchant Marine with the Keystone shipping company in 1980 and worked as Chief Steward; following his retirement in 1993, he worked as a chef in various local restaurants including Dunstan School in Scarborough and Scarborough Terrace assisted living facility. Paul's family and friends will miss his humor and generous spirit; he used his openness and big heart to help everyone feel welcome. He loved those special occasions that brought family and friends together. Paul is survived by his wife Edwina; seven children, Paul V. Bargas Jr., Jessie Lee Bargas, Jayde (Jay) James Bargas, Patrick Jerome Bargas, Donald Edward Mellen, Raymond Paul Mellen and Bonny Lee Lutz; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He leaves brothers, Lupe Bargas, John Bargas, Frank Bargas and sisters Constance (Connie) Mascareno, Dorothy Hudson and Josephine Salters. He is further survived by nieces, nephews; other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jesse Bargas and Rudy Mascareno and two sisters, Amalia (Molly) Richel and Virginia Savage. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Paul V. Bargas