Paul Richard Biekert

Paul Biekert, 93, of Uncasville and a longtime resident of Groton, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his adoring family on March 8, 2026. Paul will always be remembered as a deeply caring and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Paul was born in Belleville, Illinois, on December 16, 1932, to John and Mary Biekert. He shared a wonderful marriage of 55 years with MaryAnn Biekert (Bowes) until her passing in August 2011.

Paul graduated from Cathedral High School in Belleville and proudly and honorably served his nation after enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1952. Following boot camp and lifeboat training, he attended Electrician’s Mate School at Avery Point in Groton, where he advanced to the rank of Electrician’s Mate First Class. While in Groton, he met the love of his life, MaryAnn, and was later stationed in several areas of the country. One of his favorite assignments brought him to Kodiak, Alaska, where his love of photography began. During those years apart, he faithfully wrote letters to MaryAnn until leaving the Coast Guard in 1956. The two were married at Sacred Heart Church in Groton in September 1956.

Paul and MaryAnn lived briefly in Chicago, Illinois, before settling in Groton. In 1957, Paul began his career as an electrical test technician at Electric Boat, where he conducted testing and sea trial support for five years and where his electrical and problem-solving skills were highly regarded. He continued his work for naval shipbuilding at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) in Groton, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Over the course of 27 years, he rose to the position of Director of Nuclear Quality Assurance, a role he held for 13 years before concluding his career. While in that role, Paul also completed his Bachelor of Business Administration from Upper Iowa University. Upon retiring, Paul was honored for his driven commitment to excellence in quality relating to the construction and commissioning of the U.S. Navy’s fleet of submarines.

During this time, Paul and MaryAnn welcomed their six children, raising them with strong family values rooted in love, support, honor, and faith in God. Paul was deeply devoted to his family and was greatly loved and admired by his children and grandchildren. At times he held two jobs so that all six of his children could attend Sacred Heart School and later St. Bernard. Selfless and generous, Paul found his greatest happiness in time spent with his family biking, camping, and boating, enjoying family picnics at Eastern Point Beach and Harkness, and taking road trips back to his hometown in Illinois every other summer. As his children grew older, he continued to give generously of his time, frequently babysitting his grandchildren, fixing anything as the family’s resident electrician, and always offering help wherever it was needed. His grandchildren were blessed with many years of his loving support and stories they will carry with them for a lifetime.

In addition to time with his family, Paul enjoyed many hobbies and interests. He played the steel guitar and maintained his love for the instrument throughout his life. Upon retirement, he became an avid skier with a membership pass to Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts and frequently skied in New Hampshire and Vermont. His interest in electrical work never ceased, and he always enjoyed fixing televisions and other electronics. He was still reading country western novels prior to his passing. Devoted to living a healthy life and staying strong, the stair stepper in his home saw daily use.

Paul leaves his children Maureen Miller and her husband, Bob; Vicki Leandri; Michael Biekert; Steven Biekert and his wife, Pattie; Theresa Ouellette and her husband, Gil; and his daughter-in-law Cheryl Biekert. He also leaves his 15 grandchildren: Megan Miller and Lauren Pepin; Paul and Cameron Leandri and Stephanie Ehrenberger; Alyssa, John and Jason Biekert; Jessica and Matt Biekert; Mary Shaw and Brian Biekert; and Joseph, Robert and Madeline Ouellette; as well as 17 great-grandchildren.

After losing his beloved wife and best friend, he met his companion, Susan Goldstein, and was fortunate to enjoy their time together in his remaining years.

He was predeceased by his wife, MaryAnn; his son, Tony Biekert; his son-in-law, Rick Leandri; his granddaughter, Beth Miller LeBas; his sister-in-law Rosemary Bombard; his siblings, Dorothy Aaron, Audrey Jansen, Mary Ann Berkel and John Biekert; and his parents John Biekert and Mary (Weihrauch) Biekert. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Byles Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames Street in Groton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00am Saturday March 14, 2026, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive in Groton.

Interment with Military Honors will be private at Colonel Ledyard Cemetery in Groton.