Paul A. Milani

Paul A. Milani

Ashfield, MA - Paul Arthur Milani passed away peacefully at home on Leeside Farm in Ashfield, Massachusetts, surrounded by the land, people, and memories he loved most.

Born on January 18, 1946, in North Plainfield, New Jersey, Paul was the son of Mario and Katherine Milani. He is survived by his sister Susan Adriance, and her children Lisa, Laura, and David. He also leaves behind three stepchildren-Sean Black, Teresa Clark, and Dylan Frazier- and six grandchildren: Kaiden, Mackenzie, and Scarlet Clark; Jude, Maeve, and Fin Frazier.

Paul was many things over his rich and varied life: a son, a brother, a husband, a father and grandfather, a builder, a farmer, a sailor, a protester, a business owner, a caregiver, and a friend to all. He was a man of both action and heart.

After college, Paul lived on Mission Hill, Boston, with his lifelong friend Barry Rund. He later moved to Martha's Vineyard, where he worked at the island's fish pier-an experience that deepened his connection to the sea and the working rhythms of the island. It was there, alongside Barry, that Paul found his calling: the two conceived the idea for what would become the Fresh Pasta Company, blending Paul's passion for food with his entrepreneurial spirit.

On the Vineyard, Paul spent ten years as a tractor-trailer driver while building his own home and launching the Fresh Pasta Company. In 1986, with his partner Carol Angel, Paul relocated to Northampton, MA, where he expanded his pasta business into a thriving wholesale operation serving gourmet restaurants and shops from Boston to Washington, D.C. Later joined by Christine Buckholtz, the team opened the Fresh Pasta Company restaurant, which grew into Viva Fresh Pasta-a beloved Northampton institution for over 30 years, serving Northern Mediterranean cuisine with heart and flair. Paul's passion for food and people found its perfect expression in the joy of feeding his community.

Paul met Jamie Young in 1989, and the two were married in 1998. Together they bought the historic Kelly Farm in Ashfield in 1992, where they raised horses, harvested hay, and built a peaceful life. The pine grove at the top of the ridge became Paul's sacred space-a favorite spot to sit, reflect, and just be.

His love of the sea never left him. A lifelong boater, Paul eventually learned to sail with Jamie, and they spent years exploring the New England coast aboard their Friendship sloop and later their ketch, Chantey. The ocean was Paul's sanctuary-he often said that being out at sea was where he could finally close his eyes and let go, usually falling into a well-earned nap.

Paul's journey through life was unorthodox, vibrant, and full of character. His educational path took him from Catholic grammar school (from which he was famously kicked out), to North Plainfield High School, to a stint in junior college in Boston, and finally to West Virginia University where he studied history and business. Along the way, he worked as a bank teller, for Vulcan Tool, and took on every job-especially his own-with unrelenting drive and skill.

Paul was a proud Vietnam War protester, a lover of wit with razor-sharp timing, and a steadfast friend. He was deeply loyal, endlessly generous, and found joy in the little things-whether it was delivering "medicinal pasta" to friends in need or making someone laugh at just the right moment. His best friends Barry Rund, Jim Murphy, Sarah Creighton and Abbot Cutler were lucky enough to know his full-hearted kindness and his unique humor.

Paul Milani lived with an open heart, a determined spirit, and a deep appreciation for the land, the sea, and the people he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of care, creativity, and connection that will endure in every dish cooked, every hayfield mown, and every wave crested on the open sea.

A celebration of Paul's life will be held at Leeside Farm at a future date