Reverend Paul J. Gaumond April 17, 1947 - December 29, 2012 Essex - Reverend Paul J. Gaumond, 65, of Essex passed away at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown on December 29, 2012. Born in Norwich, on April 17, 1947 he was the beloved and devoted son of the late Francois & Blanche (Gauvin) Gaumond. Father Paul was educated at Norwich Free Academy and went on to study at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. He continued his undergraduate and post graduate studies at Christ the King Seminary, Saint Bonaventure University in East Aurora, NY. Father Paul was ordained on May 11, 1974, by Bishop Vincent J. Hines, then Bishop of Norwich in Saint Patrick Cathedral in Norwich. As a priest in the Norwich Diocese he served in many parishes and was Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Fishers Island, New York, Sacred Heart Parish in Wauregan, and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Essex from May 17, 2000 until the time of his death. Father Paul had also served as a Catholic Chaplain at Middlesex Hospital. Father Paul was famous for his wonderful laugh which brought smiles and uplifted spirits. He was an extraordinary priest whose greatness shone in the simple things he did and the love with which he did them. He treated all people with profound kindness and dignity. This faithful servant of God devoted his life to all people, and his greatest joy was bringing souls closer to God. He was a true imitator of Christ. He was a member of the Third Order of Mary and of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. He was the Essex Fire Engine Company Chaplain and an EMT at several towns in which he ministered. Father Paul loved trains, the holidays, and growing up on his grandfather's farm. He is survived by his sister Blanche M. Gaumond of Lisbon, and many adoring cousins, aunts and uncles, among countless others in the community; he will be sorely missed by all of his parishioners. The Vigil with Reception at the Church of Father Gaumond will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, January 4th at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect Street in Essex. Visitation will follow until the time of the Parish Mass at 7:00PM. The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich will preside at the Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 5th at 10:30AM. Burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Taftville will be at 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Our Lady of Sorrows Church Reverend Paul J. Gaumond Memorial Fund, 14 Prospect Street, Essex, CT 06426, or to Sacred Heart School, 15 Hunters Avenue, Taftville, CT 06380.