On Oct. 18, Paul William Heimann, 73, a longtime resident of Guilford, passed away peacefully at his home, after a beautiful celebration with family and friends nearby. Paul was the beloved husband for 47 years to Cosette (Fournier) Heimann. While they had many adventures together, their trip to Florence, Yosemite, and New Hampshire, were some of their favorites.

Paul was born in New Haven on April 22, 1950, son of the late Frederick H. Heimann Sr. and Eleanor (Wieler) Heimann. Paul will be remembered for his simple ways and humility. He was the loving father to Carolyn Janis (Michael) of Middlefield and Matthew Heimann of East Haven. He always believed in his children and put their needs first. Paul is also survived by his three grandchildren, Samuel, (11), Noah, (9), and Luca (8), all of Middlefield. They would tell you that their Papa was simply the best. He often would smuggle in extra candy, take them on tractor rides, bring them to school, and he attended all of their events. Papa said he most loved being a Papa because “. . . you get to see life through young eyes again.” He was the brother of Fred (Kathy) Heimann, of Wallingford, Joan Walsh of North Haven, Kathy Heimann of West Haven, and Mary (Thomas) DeGennaro of Hawaii. Uncle Paul leaves behind very special nieces and nephews, as well as their children. He enjoyed hearing about their sporting adventures, their academic successes, and travels and especially loved dancing at their weddings to “Old Time Rock and Roll.”

Paul graduated with a bachelor's degree in history from UConn and an MBA from the University of New Haven. He would tell you that the best things that he took away from his college days were his best friends, Bob (Marianne) Weick and George (Linda) Peterson who have been lifelong and loyal friends ever since.

Before retirement, he had worked as a budget analysis specialist for Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET), as well as for AT&T. It was a pleasure for him to work alongside friends and colleagues. He enjoyed being a part of their lives as well making a fresh pot of coffee and then leaving the newspaper out for them all to start their day with. He will especially be missed his buddy, Bubba.

Paul was a fan of baseball, especially the Yankees, after a life of playing ball himself. He especially enjoyed playing with his family and friends on the Axes baseball team. Paul spent many seasons on the golf course at Lyman Orchards, Laurel View, and Timberland. He had many friends within his golfing league and truly wished that he could have played one more round with his partners. Paul played golf at Bermuda, Hilton Head, Pinehurst, Spyglass, and Pebble Beach in California. He earned two hole-in-ones over the course of his career. Paul also enjoyed hosting the holidays at his home, with extensive food — especially desserts — to enjoy. Lastly, Paul found a great love of music; he was rarely without a radio blasting or headphones on while carrying out his chores, as he found music to be “poetry for me.”

He was an extraordinary person, with a deep sense of service to others that flowed from an unfailing faith in the goodness of God. Even in his most trying times, he remained faithful and kind to those around him. His simple acts of kindness will be missed by many.

Friends were invited to calling hours on Oct. 23 at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Oct. 24 at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 11 Race Hill Road, Guilford, CT 06437; www.dominicannuns.org. Dad loved the nuns and took good care of them. Please help us to honor him with your generosity. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.