Paul J. Reutenauer, Jr., 77, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Carmel Street, Hamden, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012 at The Villages Hospice House, FL. He was the husband of Concetta (Angelini) Reutenauer. Born in Hamden on January 29, 1935; son of the late Ret. Hamden Police Captain Paul J. Reutenauer, Sr. and Ethel Prior Reutenauer. Paul was a Hamden Firefighter before his retirement in 1993; having begun his career at the age of 16 as a volunteer. He then enlisted in the US Navy where he served his country (’53-’57) aboard the USS William M. Wood (DD-715). When he returned home he continued his career as a paid firefighter for 36 years. He had a love for woodworking and carpentry and loved spending time with his family, especially vacations on Cape Cod. Paul was a long time member of the Sleeping Giant Golfing Community, was a former member of the Hamden Elks, the Knights of Columbus, Carmel Council and was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Hamden. He also was a lifelong, faithful, loyal member of Redsox Nation, and loved his NY Giants. Paul enjoyed spending his last years in The Villages where he loved life with Connie with the warm weather, golfing and getting together with the many great friends they made. While there, he was a member of the Connecticut Club and the Irish-American Club. Paul leaves behind his devoted family to cherish his memory; Paul J. (Tina) Reutenauer III of East Lyme, Kathleen “Kate†(John) Jensen and Maureen “Molly†(Larry) McKenna all of North Haven, Daniel “Danny†Reutenauer of Hamden and Sheila (Michael) DeChello of Wallingford, William “Bill†R. (Joan) Angelini, Jr., of Westbrook, Thomas “Thom†Angelini of New Haven and Paul (Amy) Angelini of North Branford. He was a proud grandfather to Paul & Kevin Reutenauer, Danny & Megan Sutfin, Casey & J.J. Jensen, Michael & Patrick McKenna, Brendan & Brian Murphy, Matthew & Melissa DeChello, Christopher & Sara Angelini , Julia Angelini and Lulu Angelini. He was brother of Robert (Kris) Reutenauer of The Villages, FL and Richard (Jan) Reutenauer of Wallingford, both retired from the Hamden Police Dept. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Paul is predeceased by his first wife, of 42 years, Mary Lou Vining Reutenauer.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Friday morning at 10:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 11:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Hamden. The visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852 or the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492.
Paul was a wonderful person inside and out. We will always remember the good times . There is no doubt he will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Our prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
Our deepest condolences to the family on your loss. Our prayers are with you in this time of sadness .
My sincere condolences to the entire Reutenauer family. You are in my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time. Paul is now home with God and is no longer suffering. Hugs to you all,
Marianne
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It was our privilege to call Paul our friend – he was one of the nicest people we have ever known. He will truly be missed.
Dear Sheila
As you grieve know that I am remembering you and your family in my prayers.
Though I never met your dad I know he was a bright light in many people’s lives, especially yours. All the happy memories in your heart will keep him alive forever. May God’s blessings be upon you all, bringing you peace.
With great sincerity,
Cousin Susan
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.”
Leo Buscaglia
Paul was a wonderful man and we enjoyed many visits with him in the Villages. We were so happy when he and our Siser-in-law Connie fell in love and married. So besides being our son’s father-in-law we considered him our brother-in-law. Our hearts go out to our wonderful daughter-in-law and her family. May they cherish all their wonderful memories.
Love Mom and Dad DeChello
Our most sincere sympathy goes to all the Reutaneur family with our love.