Lt. Colonel Paul J. Marrkand

GRAFTON / SHREWSBURY: Lt. Colonel Paul J. Marrkand USAF (Ret.) loving husband of 61 years to the love of his life Patricia J. (Fuss) Marrkand passed away November 20, 2009 at age 89 after living a wonderful life devoted to family, faith and country. Father to five children, Kim Marrkand and her spouse Kathleen Henry, Tricia Ross and her husband Rick, Jack Marrkand and his wife Juliet, Mary Kervin and her husband Dan, Paul Marrkand and his wife Peg. Enthusiastic Grandpa to his 12 grandchildren, David, Jaclyn, Matthew Ross, Kyla, Augustus Marrkand, Marissa, Christopher, Gregory, Sarah Kervin, Michael, Megan, Jen Marrkand. Born May 2, 1920 in New Haven CT and was the last surviving of four sons to John and Frances (Kulasiewicz) Markiewicz. Lt. Col. Marrkand was a US Air Force World War II Veteran flying 33 combat missions as a bombardier in The European Theater including D Day, June 6, 1944. Lt. Col. Marrkand was a member of the 448th Bombardment Group, 715 Bombardment Squadron, Crew 66, 8th Air Force, 8th Bomber Command, Second Division, 20th Combat Wing and was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. He served 26 years with The USAF retiring in 1968 completing his final tour of duty as Head Commander of ROTC at The College of The Holy Cross in Worcester MA. Prior to settling in Grafton MA Lt. Col. Marrkand was stationed in Colorado, Texas, Germany, California, England and Alabama as they raised their family. Lt. Col. Marrkand was a graduate of The University of Connecticut and enjoyed a successful business career after his military service. He was an active parishioner of St. Philips Catholic Church in Grafton MA having also chaired The Bishop's Fund Committee for the parish, a lifelong member of the Holy Name Society, The Military Officers Association of America, The Knights of Columbus, and a member and past president of The Grafton (MA) Lions Club. Lt. Col. Marrkand and his wife moved to St. Augustine FL where he loved to walk the beautiful beaches for hours where when not talking to everyone on the beach he said his prayers and collected perfect sea shells which he gave to his family and friends around the country. His behind the scenes acts of charity and kindness made the difference to numerous families and organizations. Together he and his soul mate, Pat were blessed with an abundance of treasured friends from Grafton to St. Augustine, to Dallas and to Shrewsbury where they returned to live near their family. Paul was also a gifted story teller, avid sports fan and faithful caretaker of Baron the family's beloved German shepherd. Lt. Col. Marrkand the son of Polish immigrants cherished America and never wavered from his core values of integrity, duty and faith which are the legacy he leaves to his children and grandchildren. His family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in his name to the Grafton Food Bank, 30 Prov. Rd. Grafton MA 01519, The Multiple Myeloma Foundation, 383 Main Ave. 5th Floor, Norwalk CT 06851 or The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum PO box 1992, Savannah GA 31402. Funeral & Calling Hours All are invited to calling hours Monday November 23rd from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm in The Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St. North Grafton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday November 24th at 11 am in his Parish Church of St. Philip, corner of Church & West St. Grafton Center. All attending Tuesday are respectfully requested to go directly to the church. He will then be laid to rest with Military Honors in St. Philips Cemetery in Grafton.