Paul E. Duchemin Sr.

Paul E. Duchemin Sr., 86, of Bradford affectionately known as "Fici," passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Haverhill Rehabilitation Center, Haverhill.
Born in Bradford, Massachusetts, on June 21, 1939, Paul was the beloved son of the late Ernest J. and Manuela (Fici) Duchemin. He was the cherished grandson of the late Wilfred and Albina Duchemin of Haverhill, and Paulo and Maria (Scovotti) Fici, who emigrated from Salemi and Sicily, Italy, respectively. Paul often said, "If you are blessed to have a wonderful mother who was 100% Italian American, you will always be raised an Italian American."
In 1962, Paul married his high school sweetheart Joanne Accardi Duchemin beginning a 63-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Together, they raised four children in Bradford, where Paul spent most of his life.
A proud alumnus of Sacred Hearts School and Saint Francis Preparatory School, Paul played clarinet in the school band and football under Haverhill's legendary coach Paul Ryan. Paul transferred to St. Francis Preparatory High School where he graduated in 1958. There he played quarterback and outside linebacker and was captain of the football team. He graduated from Saint Francis College (now the University of New England) in 1963 with a degree in Economics and Philosophy.
Paul built a remarkable career in the footwear industry, beginning at Zodiac USA Shoe Company-a small startup that grew into a leading fashion footwear manufacturer. Over 27 years, Paul rose to Corporate Vice President, managing purchasing, manufacturing, and global development. His later work included leadership and consulting roles with major brands such as Timberland, Sperry Topsider, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi's. During his career he worked tirelessly in over 30 different countries and sourced footwear across North, Central and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, and most of Asia. Paul had many trips to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic, Taiwan, South Korea, China and his favorite Italy. Paul's wife Joanne joined him on several of these trips, though Italy remained his and Joanne's favorite destination. When Paul retired at the age of 57 he and his wife loved to travel and spend summers in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Faith was central to Paul's life. He was a devoted member of Sacred Hearts Parish in Bradford, where he served as an altar server in his younger years, usher, a Monday morning "bean counter," and on the Principal Selection Committee. He took great pride in the fact that three generations of his family attended Sacred Hearts School.
Paul was a Life Member of the 210 Associates, a philanthropic organization founded by members of the shoe industry, and a long-time supporter of the St. Francis/University of New England Alumni Fund. In retirement, he enjoyed golf with the St. Joseph Golf League, cooking with family, reading, walking outdoors, and cheering on the New England Patriots and Notre Dame football though his favorite athletes were always his children and grandchildren. Over the years he spent countless weekends watching Football, Basketball and Lacrosse games at Haverhill High School, Central Catholic, St Johns' Prep and Holy Cross.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Joanne, and their four children: Paul Jr. of Carlsbad, CA; Jeffrey and his wife Colleen Francis Duchemin of Haverhill, Christia Pettis and her husband John Henry Pettis III of Bradford, and his daughter Melissa Duchemin Smith and her long-time partner and fiancé Eric Jon Thorne of Bradford. He was the proud grandfather of eleven grandchildren: Ali Duchemin, Rose Duchemin, Natalie Duchemin, Andrew Duchemin, Callie Duchemin, Matthew Duchemin, Madison Singh and her husband Leo, Jack Pettis, Cole Smith, Luke Smith, Brady Smith and great grandson Roman Singh.
Though an only child, Paul was blessed with many cousins from the Duchemin and Fici families and had many lifelong friends.
Paul's life was a beautiful reflection of faith, hard work, integrity, and love-a legacy that will continue through all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the calling hours on Friday, Oct. 17th from 4-6 PM at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Bradford Funeral Home, 210 South Main St. Bradford. His Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18th at 11:00 in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 South Main St. Bradford. Interment will be private in St. Patrick Cemetery, Haverhill.
Contributions in Paul's memory can be made to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, http://www.stjude.org or to Sacred Hearts School, 48 South Chestnut Street, Bradford MA 01835 (https://sacredheartsbradford.org).
To share a memory or for more information please visit www.farmerfuneralhomes.com