Paul Franklin DeSantos

Paul DeSantos, 82, of Charlton, Massachusetts, died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 19, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on December 10, 1943, in Utica, New York, Paul was the son of Joseph and Leona (Richards) DeSantos. He grew up on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work. He played sports, graduated from high school, and began taking college courses before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1965. As an Airman First Class, he drove tractor-trailer fuel tankers during overseas deployments in France, Spain, and England. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged in 1968.

Paul first met Cynthia “Sam” (Collins) DeSantos at the White Acres dance hall in 1969. At first sight, she told her friend, “That man is going to ask me to dance.” They married in November 1970, started a family, and built a home together. Throughout their 55 years of marriage, they worked hard to put one another first, filling their home with love, laughter, and lessons passed down to their children and grandchildren.

Paul and Sam loved traveling the world together. Their journeys included Portugal, Ireland, Hawaii, and Alaska. They enjoyed walking on the beach, reading, visiting friends, and camping with family. For nearly 20 years after retirement, they towed their camper to Florida and enjoyed their quiet times together. Whether they were holding hands, dancing to their wedding song, “We’ve Only Just Begun,” or sharing a glass of wine, their love was endless.

Paul was a founder of the Charlton Youth Basketball League and served as its president from 1980 to 1984. He coached the Ted’s Package team for many years, leading it to league championships in 1983 and 1984.

Paul’s legacy is evident in his children and grandchildren, who called him Bumpa. He knew how to work hard and how to have fun. His humor and laughter could light up a room. He loved working side by side with his grandsons, Al and Joe, and looked forward to basketball games for Ellie, Sam, Caden, and Liam. He treasured Notre Dame football games and Sam’s calls before kickoff, and he appreciated Nate’s help with technology. He also loved family traditions such as Pumpkin Day, Christmas Tree Day, and Christmas morning together. His favorite pastime was being with his family.

Paul worked for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette for 35 years as a district circulation supervisor. After retiring in 2006, he began another chapter working for Collins Lawncare and Ted’s Package. He later founded DeSantos Lawncare, which he operated for 20 years, continuing to mow lawns past the age of 80. He made many friends among his co-workers, customers, paper carriers, and lawn-care clients.

A self-taught jack-of-all-trades, Paul could operate heavy equipment, build whatever was needed, and fix it when it broke. He would give the shirt off his back to a friend or family member. Whenever there was a project to be done, he was the first to arrive and the last to leave. He helped his children with countless projects at their homes, from building decks and sheds to constructing stone walls and tackling anything else that needed attention. He also crafted beautiful custom furniture as Christmas gifts for his children and grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Cynthia “Sam” (Collins) DeSantos; his son and daughter-in-law, Ted and Amy DeSantos of Manchester, Connecticut; his daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Al Salonis Jr. of Dudley, Massachusetts; his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Shanna DeSantos of Berlin, Connecticut; and seven grandchildren: Albert Salonis III, Ellie DeSantos, Joseph Paul Salonis, Samuel Paul DeSantos, Liam DeSantos, Caden DeSantos, and Nate DeSantos.

Paul’s family will remember his generosity, sense of humor, work ethic, and constant willingness to help others. The lessons he taught through his example will continue to live on in his children and grandchildren.

Rest in peace, Dad. You’ve taught us well.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at J. Anthony’s Italian Grill, 917 Southbridge Street, Auburn, Massachusetts 01501.

Paul will be laid to rest with military honors in a private ceremony at the Massachusetts National Cemetery on beautiful Cape Cod.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and loved ones to email their favorite memories of Paul to Theresa.Salonis@yahoo.com. All memories will be added to a book that will be shared at the Celebration of Life.