Francis Paul Pajot

Francis Paul Pajot entered into eternal life on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.

Francis, 92, was the beloved husband of Norma (Bajumpaa) Pajot, formerly of South Windsor. Fran was born on Sept. 8, 1921, in Springfield, Mass., and lived for a short time in Thompsonville. He was a beloved father of seven, a grandfather of 20, and a great-grandfather of two. He was a dedicated Roman Catholic and a devoted "family man." He had great respect for God and sought to be faithful to the virtuous Catholic teaching that molded him as a young person. In an age of arguably moral relativism, Fran held steadfast to the Christian values of the Catholic Church and sought to pass them on to his children and grandchildren. He put God and family first. He credited the priests and nuns at "The Heights" (a Catholic orphanage in New Haven, where he lived from age 7 to 16) for giving him the direction and foundation for his life. During the Great Depression while on his own at the tender age of 17, he took his first job with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). At age 19 he enlisted in the US Navy and honorably served his country as a Petty Officer Second Class during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was an operator of the ship's power generation system, known as "the Boilers." This led to a 30-plus year civilian career, as a boiler engineer at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. In World War II, he served on several ships, including The Monadnock, The Titania, and The Volcan. After the war, he sailed with the Merchant Marines for six years. A hard worker, Fran willingly held a second job for over 20 years as the custodian for his church, Saint Francis of Assisi, South Windsor, in order to give his seven children a private Catholic higher education at East Catholic High School in Manchester. Fran embraced life and this was reflected in his varied interests. His was a private airplane pilot. He was a star athlete in basketball and track as a youth as well as an accomplished musician, playing the harmonica as well as a fife in a marching band in his early years. He taught his children sports and coached his sons' baseball teams. He helped start the South Windsor Little League, and coached a "Farm Team" for many years. His love of poetry was enjoyed by his children. He would often quote from memory such poems as: "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer, "The Children's Hour" by Longfellow, and many others. His most treasured moments were spent with family, especially outdoors, taking hikes, picnics, and wonderful camping trips with his children and grandchildren by his side. His gentle nature and kind soul was a model to all who knew him. He was full of funny expressions, loved to play games, and had a unique gift of relating to children. He was affectionately known as "Grandpa to All."

He was the last surviving member of his family and was predeceased by 10 siblings. He is survived by his wife Norma, whom he often referred to as "his best girl of 62 years;" seven sons and daughters and their spouses, Bruce and Marilyn Pajot of Newark, N.J., Brian and Michelle Pajot of Vernon, Denise and Stan deMello of East Hartford, Donna Fitzpatrick of Vernon, Debbie and Dave ViVenzio of Vernon, Fran and Lisa Pajot of Manchester, and Norma Pajot of England. He is also survived by his 20 grandchildren and their spouses: Marissa and Tim Webb, Elise Pajot, Renee and Kevin Peloquin, Daniel and Timothy Pajot, Mike and Sarah deMello, Christina deMello, Laura, Julie, Diana and Rachel Fitzpatrick, Ryan, Christopher and Tyler ViVenzio, Teresa, Bridget, Andrea and Andrew Pajot, Brandon and Neysa Sprague; and his two great-grandchildren, Keane Webb and Canaan Peloquin.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hebrew Home and Hospital in West Hartford, especially his hospice nurse Tracey and his hospice aide Saundra for all their loving care.

A Latin Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Joseph Church, Rockville, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, at 11 a.m. Burial in the family plot in the Thompsonville Cemetery, Enfield, will follow.

His family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to: Honor Flight of New England, PO BOX 16287, Hooksett, NH 03106. He enjoyed an unforgettable trip with his grandson Mike, a U.S. Marine Iraqi war veteran to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., compliments of this organization.

For online condolences please visit us at

www.carmonfuneralhome.com