Leo Walden

Leo R. Walden

Paxton - - Leo R. Walden, 82, of Dennisport and Paxton died Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center after a brief battle with lung cancer.

Leo was the son of the late Leo H. and Hilda Walden. He was married for nearly 53 years to the former Marie R. "Chic" Paciello who predeceased him in 2014. Leo was also predeceased by a sister, Barbara Mangs, and his brother-in-law, Angelo "Butch" Paciello.

Leo leaves behind a sister, Doris, wife of Stephen Mazzola of West Falmouth, their children, Mark Mazzola, Karen Corcoran, and Michael Mazzola, as well as his nephew, Randall Mangs of Falmouth, a niece, Sandra (Mangs) DiTulio of Worcester, and a great nephew, David DiTulio.

Leo will be greatly missed by his sister-in-law, Dorothy Paciello of Margate, Florida, and her children, Mark Paciello and Kara Costanza, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Francis and Barbara Paciello of Vineyard Haven, their children, Rachel Neville and Louis Paciello, and his sister-in-law, Lisa Paciello Reece, her husband John Reece, and their son Anthony, with whom he made his home.

Leo was a 1952 graduate of the former Worcester Boys Trade High School and served four years in the United States Navy on both the USS William T. Powell and the USS Macon. He was proud of his service to his country and grateful for the opportunity it gave him to see the world and learn a trade. After leaving the Navy, he served four more years in the Reserves as a Seabee, a member of the United States Navy Construction Forces.

After the Navy, Leo worked at Norton Company and later at Commonwealth Gas, retiring in 1992. He continued to work summers at both the Dennis Pines Golf Course and the Dennis Highlands Golf Course. In 2000, Leo and Chic moved permanently to Dennisport, and Leo worked at Thirwood Place, a senior living community, until retiring shortly before his eightieth birthday.

Leo devoted many years to caring for Chic when she became ill. While providing her with excellent care, he still found time every day to grab a beer or two at Jack's 28 Club where he was welcomed with open arms and warm hearts. His greatest times, however, were spent with his nephew Anthony searching clearance racks for bargains.

Leo spent the last six weeks of his life at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, which is owned and operated by Oriol Health Care. Even during the last week of his life, Leo enjoyed heading to the dining hall for his meals and for socialization. He walked all three floors daily, visiting other patients and staff along the way. Soon he had a circle of friends. Visiting family members would often be pulled aside by both the staff and patients to be told how much Leo meant to them and what a wonderful, caring person he was. Leo's attitude was always upbeat, and he kept his great sense of humor to the end. John and Lisa Reece would like to recognize the staff at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center and Oriol Health Care, especially Tara D'Andrea, for operating such an amazing facility and for caring so deeply for Leo.

Cancer did not win; Leo never admitted he was dying. He lived his life as he always had, caring about others, doing the right thing, and enjoying time surrounded by those he loved. He often said, "I've had a good run. Everyone has an end, and this is my end."

Per Leo's request, there will be no calling hours. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Inc. www.veteransinc.org or by mail to: Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, Worcester, is assisting his family with arrangements.

There is an online register for messages and condolences, it can be found at

www.mercadantefuneral.com