Paul T. Fennell

Paul Thomas Peter Fennell, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, with his beloved wife Ila (Williams) at his side and surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Boston on November 29, 1935, Paul grew up in Beachmont, "the capital of Revere," Massachusetts, where his love of the ocean, fishing, clamdigging, skipping stones and watching seagulls soar began. He loved to share stories about his boyhood escapades in Beachmont, especially the thrilling and treacherous sledding route they survived. The risks they took! Paul was the youngest of six children, born to Harold L. and Emily L. (Clarke) Fennell. He is survived by his adoring "favorite" sister Emily Whalen, and was predeceased by his brothers William, George, Richard and Joseph.
Paul served in the army in Iceland during the Korean conflict, after which he married Louise (Sutton), his teenage sweetheart. They had four children; Iris Fennell (Daniel Gutierrez), Linda Fennell, Lauri (Kolakoski) Fennell and Lisa Cherenson (Robert). Paul was employed at the A&P grocery stores and Burnett & Moynihan lumber yard during those years. Summers were full of cookouts with friends and extended family playing horseshoes, badminton and other games. Fishing and boating were also regular pastimes. Cribbage was a favorite game, played often and with just a slight edge of competitiveness. Paul was beyond excited when he recently double-skunked his son-in-law Dan. Paul's daughters will miss him dearly and continue to cherish the moments they had with him playing cribbage and listening to his stories.
After achieving sobriety in 1974, through the North Shore Council on Alcoholism, Paul began a lifelong career with the agency later known as the Center for Addictive Behaviors (CAB). He started as a driver bringing newly sober clients to appointments and discovered his gift for counseling others. He later became director of programs and completed his career as the director of facilities. One of his proudest accomplishments was the planning and eventual building of a new detoxification/residential treatment facility on the grounds of the former Danvers State Hospital.
"Paul was the heart of CAB," according to his friend and former president of CAB. "What Paul did was give himself, share his kindness, listen to, share his stories, laugh with, offer hope and optimism with literally thousands of people who passed through the beds and outpatient offices in Lynn, Danvers, Boston, Tewksbury, Gloucester and the greater North Shore in their recovery journey." Paul celebrated 50 years of sobriety in 2024.
Oil painting became an important part of Paul's recovery and became a lifelong love. He met his second wife, Patti (Walsh) in painting classes and expanded his family, spreading his love to her children Sean and Michael Walsh, and Don and Cindy Cordova.
Paul began a new chapter in his life when he married Ila (Williams). He treasured his relationships with his stepsons, Jon Rogers and his wife Lucille, Paul Rogers and his wife Stacey and David Rogers. Demi, their long-haired cocker spaniel/dachshund was a gentle companion who brought many years of joy to their lives. Paul and his beloved wife Ila enjoyed over 25 years of marriage and together spread their love and kindness to everyone they met. Their sense of humor and generosity to neighbors, friends and family overflowed. They shared the wonders of visiting the Grand Canyon and Hawaii and especially loved travelling to visit family near and far to share adventures, love, laughter and food.
Paul loved to cook and experiment with new ingredients (Thanksgiving stuffing secret ingredient). Family and friends looked forward to his holiday fruit cakes and biscotti. He made many varieties of cheesecake, apple crisp, pies, and cookies. He loved to make and share soup, was the chief cook for holiday dinners, and commanded the grill at family cookouts. In addition to his talents in the kitchen, he was a gifted woodworker and was always available to help with household repairs. Paul also enjoyed playing golf with his good friends.
Paul will be dearly missed for his kind and gentle soul, generous spirit, and playful sense of humor. He taught those around him to find humor in life, to appreciate the wonders of nature, and to seek beauty in simple things.
In addition to his wife, sister, and children, Paul is survived by several grandchildren: The Kolakoskis- Becka (David), Bryan/Benny (Ashley), Amy (Aaron) and great-granddaughter Jayylin; The Cherensons - Rachel and Ryan (Cassidy), and great-granddaughters Evie and Kalea; Shane Buckley-Fennell; Devlin Walsh; The Rogers- Anthony, Ila, Luke (Shylo), Lindsay (Brent), Dawn and Kloe; daughter-in-law Sheila Buckley and nieces and nephews- Diane Davey, Janice Fennell, Thomas Fennell (Joanne) and Richard Fennell (Lori).
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Paul may be made to BILH Behavioral Services (formerly CAB) - Danvers Treatment Center. Donations may be made by check or online. Checks should be made payable to "Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services" with "Paul Fennell" in the memo line - mailed to Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129.
Online gifts can be made in Memory of Paul Fennell at https://bilhbehavioral.org/support-us. Enter "Danvers Treatment Center" in the message section.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2025. Please click the following link to share your contact information and we will back to you when the details are finalized: Your contact information: https://forms.gle/Ux1Ci4CoS7Vr5VuN8