Paul Sturgis

Paul Sturgis, 71, of Auburn, former Auburn High School Principal and Teacher passed away Sunday, August 15th 2010 in St Vincent Hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was born in Brooklyn, NY a son of the late Pandi and Linda (Karaku) Sturgis. He graduated from South High School, earned his bachelor's degree in Education from Worcester State College, his Master's of Education from Holy Cross College and his C.A.G.S. from Worcester State College. He grew up in Worcester, served in the Mass Army National Guard during the Vietnam War and has lived in Auburn since 1971. Paul was an educator and administrator for more than 35 years before retiring in 1997. He began his career as a teacher, was appointed as Vice Principal of Auburn Middle School and in 1984, Paul was hired as principal of Auburn High School. A post he enjoyed for the next 13 years. During his tenure and teacher and administrator, Paul earned praise from his students, teachers, superiors and community before retiring in 1997. In 1992, he was honored as Principal of the year by the Worcester County Personnel and Guidance Assoc.; in 1996 he was inducted into the Auburn High Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1997, Paul was honored by the Massachusetts Association Student Council as Administrator of the Year. Also, in 1997, Paul was awarded the John and Ethel Riley Outstanding Citizenship Award. Paul is survived by his best friend and partner of 46 years Carolyn M. (Turnbull) Sturgis; his four children, Susan M. McCall and her husband Dewrod of Durham, NC, Peter J. Sturgis and his wife Bonnie of Princeton, Lori A. Backlin and her husband Timothy of Auburn, Christine MacGrory and her husband Christine of Oxford; a brother, Matthew R. Sturgis of Dudley; a sister, Gloria Pacheco of Shrewsbury; eight cherished grandchildren who called him "Papa" Nicholas, Marcus, Lexi, Matthew, Steele, Erica, Kayla and Bo; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends. A brother, Christopher Sturgis passed away in 1999. Paul was a member of St Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, a former member of the Son's of St. Mary's Association. A member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the NEA and as member and Vice President of the MIAA. He was also a member of the Auburn Elks and the Auburn Youth and Family Services Association. Paul enjoyed walking, music, reading, sports, and dancing with his wife. He was a dedicated fan of the Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, and Dallas Cowboys. He coached his son for Auburn Little League and for the Worcester Vikings. He was a coach for Auburn Pop Warner Football for the past ten years to the present. He was a man who dedicated his life to his family, his work, and his community. He loved coffee with "the boys," his childhood friends of more than sixty years. He cherished his family and especially his grandchildren. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday, August 19th 2010 from 4 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. The funeral will be held Friday from the funeral home with a Service at 11:00 a.m. in St Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Cathedral, 535 Salisbury St. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. A trisagion service will be held at 6:30 pm in the funeral home Thursday during calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Paul Sturgis Scholarship Fund, care of Bay state Savings Bank, 123 Auburn St. Auburn 01501.