Paul G. Baril

Paul G. Baril, 82, of Boylston, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Elaine B. (DiPierro) Baril; a daughter, Gina Lewis and her husband Jack Maloney of Shrewsbury; a son, Paul A. Baril and his wife Eileen of Boylston; two brothers, Raymond Baril and his wife Marguerite of North Grafton, and David Baril and his wife Rosemary of Shrewsbury; four sisters, Jeanne Moran, Elaine Richard, Madeline Haluska and her husband Robert, and Estelle Paquette; six grandchildren, Olivia Baril and her fiancé Emmett Godfrey, Samantha Baril, Alaina Baril, Cameron Lewis, Christian Lewis and his wife Brianna, and Colby Lewis; his former son in law, Quentin Lewis; many nieces and nephews, and his loyal lap dog “Biscotti”. Paul was predeceased by his brother, Olier “Sonny” Baril, Jr. and by two sisters, Pauline Proulx and Jeannette Galipeau. Paul was born in Worcester, one of ten children born to the late Dr. Olier L. and Blanche (St. Denis) Baril. He was a graduate of Holy Name High School and attended The College of the Holy Cross.

Paul grew up in the Eureka Street neighborhood near Webster Square in Worcester and started working at a young age at the Stafford Street garage for New England Telephone and Telegraph (NET&T). His tremendous work ethic and talent led to him formally joining NET&T in a trade capacity in 1964. His career spanned NET&T’s evolution into Verizon and the landmark deregulation of telephone service in the U.S. He ultimately retired from Verizon as a regional head of engineering for maintenance and construction. He was known for his get-it-done attitude, common sense and team leadership.

Paul was a rare and unique soul. Quick-witted, he loved to laugh and to make people laugh. He loved to meet new people and to put them at ease when meeting him. People took to him quickly and he was loved by many. He loved to teach young people and was a youth hockey coach in Shrewsbury for many years. He loved horses and horse racing, often going to the racetrack with family members. An avid gardener, he loved to be outdoors. Above all, he loved his family and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. This was his greatest passion. Larger than life, he established his own lexicon of humorous terms and sayings that his friends and family won’t soon forget. The magnitude of Paul’s passing is eclipsed only by the love & joy he gave us as a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be profoundly missed, but his memory will always bring a smile.

Calling Hours will be on Thursday, March 27, from 10 am until his Funeral Service begins at 12 pm in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A private Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.