David H. Paris

David H. Paris, age 63, of Pembroke, passed away Feb. 10, 2010, at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital. He was the loving husband of Mary Ellen (Donovan) Paris for 41 years. Born in Boston, he was a son of the late Isadore and Sarah (Dubinsky) Paris and stepson of the late Ada (Pransky) (Lester) Paris. He was a graduate of Dorchester High School and attended Quincy Junior College. He retired this year from the Gillette Company in South Boston. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 through 1971. During the Vietnam War, he flew rescue missions into North and South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. David had been a member of the Hanover VFW Post 9026, where he was the first Vietnam veteran elected as commander. He was also a member and past commander of the Josslyn-Cummings American Legion Post in Hanover. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for the childrens Christmas parties at both organizations for many years, as well as serving as parade marshall for the Memorial Day parades. David was also a member of the Rockland Aerie of Eagles and the Upland Sportsmans Club of Plympton. In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Karin Paris of Halifax; his grandchildren, Jillian and Jacob Paris; his uncle and aunt, Louis and Elizabeth Paris of Westwood; his devoted mother-in-law, Mrs. George L. (Mary P.) Donovan of Brockton; his sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins; and extended family, Dominic, Beth, Olivia and Holly Turini of Plymouth. Davids family would like to offer sincere thanks and praise to the members of the Pembroke Fire Department, the staff of Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Emergency Room and Critical Care Unit and coordinators of the New England Organ Bank. The care extended to David and his family was exceptional. A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 13. Arrangements were made by Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St., Brockton. Memorial gifts may be made in his name to the Rev. William F., Dorothy R., Mary J. Donovan and John F. Sheehan Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund, Advancement Office, Cardinal Spellman High School, 738 Court St., Brockton, MA 02302, or to Veterans Support Foundation, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910. For condolences and directions www.conleyfuneralhome.com.