Paul Aja

EAST BARRE - Paul Aja, 97, of East Barre, Vermont, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018.
Paul was born on Nov. 27, 1920, to immigrant parents Nicanor Aja, who came from Spain to work in the Barre granite industry, and Carlotta (Sassi) Aja, who came from Italy. Paul grew up in the family's lovely Queen Anne style home in East Barre, along with his sister, Flora, and brothers Marcelino, Peter and Nick. Paul remained close to his siblings throughout his life.
Paul reveled in small town life growing up. He began a lifelong love of baseball in his youth and played for his Spaulding High School baseball team and the area American Legion team. Paul was a devoted Red Sox fan. His very last conversation was about the success of the 2018 version of the team.
After graduating from Spaulding High, Paul began work as an auto mechanic. His work was interrupted when he was called to military service in March 1943. During World War II, Paul served as an Army infantryman. In 1944 and 1945, he fought in campaigns in New Guinea, the Philippines and Luzon, before serving in the occupational force in Japan. Paul received two Bronze Stars for acts of valor in combat during his service.
While serving his country overseas, Paul received the hard news that his father had passed away though, like himself, his mother would live into her 90s.
Paul was honorably discharged from the military in 1946, whereupon he began many years of employment at Cameron's Garage in East Barre.
In October 1950, Paul married the love of his life, Marion Ruth Harvey, of Washington, Vermont. Paul and Marion had a loving marriage that lasted for 67 years, until Paul's passing. Paul and Marion resided in East Barre, where they gave birth to two sons, Kenneth and James. Later, would follow two lovely granddaughters Emily Rose and Marie Simone.
Paul eventually followed his father into the granite industry. He had a lengthy career as a wire saw operator for the Rouleau Granite Co. in Barre.
Paul "retired" at age 62 but really, he was just getting started. For nearly the next 30 years, he worked for Barre Town as a groundskeeper, first at Wilson Cemetery and then for the town's recreation department. He was honored there with the Wendell Pelkey Award for his service to the community in 2012. Paul finally retired from his working life at age 93.
Paul was a pillar of strength throughout his life. He loved to work and provide for his family. All those who knew him were amazed to see him perform demanding physical work into his 90s. He took great pride in doing a job well and working alongside co-workers half or less his age.
As tough as he was, Paul was a kind-hearted, generous, loving person. He was always quick to help others with anything they needed. Paul was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. His family was the most important thing to him and before his passing, he made it abundantly clear that the only concern he had was that his family would be OK. Paul took great care of others during his life and was taken great care of in return. He lived surrounded by love. He was a humble man, but a great and good man in every way that really matters.
Paul is survived by his wife, Marion; his sons, Kenneth and James; his brother, Nick; and his granddaughter, Marie. He was predeceased by his parents, Nicanor and Carlotta; his sister, Flora, brothers Marcelino and Peter; and granddaughter Emily.
Paul will be interred in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Washington, Vermont. At his request, no public services will be held. Anyone wishing to communicate with the family regarding Paul's life and passing is encouraged to send a card or note to: Marion Aja, P.O. Box 55, East Barre, VT 05649.
Paul's family would like to thank the incredibly dedicated, talented and caring staff of the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, Vermont, who took such great care of Paul, were so supportive to his family, and made his passing as gentle and peaceful as possible. We would also like to recognize and thank the many fine professionals and support staff who assisted Paul at the Berlin Health and Rehab Center during the last month of his life.
While Paul is no longer with us, he will live on in our hearts and mind so long as we ourselves shall live, and his strength and vitality and his good heart will remain an inspiration to us all.