Paul R Desforges USAF (ret)

Colonel Paul R. Desforges, retired United States Air Force, 84 of Worcester, formerly of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children. 

Paul was married for almost 62 years to his devoted wife, Eileen (Grillo) Desforges. Paul and Eileen had three children; David Desforges and his wife Lori, of Cibolo, Texas, Nicole Moisan and her husband John of Leicester, MA, Rebecca Deacon and her partner Eric Getchell of Merrimack, NH; six loving grandchildren with whom he was very close; Jacob Desforges, Hanna Meehan, Brianna Diaz, Tyler Deacon, Victor Moisan, and Claudia Moisan. Paul was fortunate enough to also meet his two great-grandchildren, Eliana Mae and Henry David. Paul’s immediate family were the absolute love of his life and he looked forward to every visit, gathering, holiday or celebration where all of his family members would gather and enjoy one another’s company and time together. His family was the centerpiece of his life. He also leaves behind a brother, Robert Desforges of Swansea, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Paul was born in Fall River, MA, the son of Paul R. and Alice (Ledoux) Desforges. Raised in Fall River, MA, he graduated from Diamond High School and went on to UMASS Dartmouth, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force as an officer, where he spent the next four years living in various states and serving as an active duty officer in Alaska during the Vietnam War and in Key West, Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis era. Upon honorable discharge from the USAF, he joined the Air National Guard of Worcester, MA. Over the next 33 years, Paul dedicated his life to the Air National Guard, including being the Commander of the 101st Control Squadron in Worcester and the 102nd Intelligence Wing in Wellesley, MA. In the last few years of his career, Paul was appointed Assistant Adjutant General of the Massachusetts Air National Guard in Milford, MA. Paul was a well-respected and honorable man throughout his many years of service, earning several commendations from the USAF and the Air National Guard, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. 

Paul and his family called Shrewsbury, their home for more than 25 years, embracing many close friendships with neighbors and those in town, where he enjoyed many things such as tennis, racquetball and golf as well as numerous gatherings in his free time. Paul and his wife enjoyed traveling; cruising to Bermuda, visiting the Azores, Portugal with family and friends several times as well as several trips within the U.S. with his family. Perhaps one of his favorite trips several years back was when he took his family on a cruise to Alaska, where he had the opportunity to see the memorable place where he had been stationed during the Vietnam War. Paul also lived in other locations such as Point Judith, Rhode Island and Bluffton, South Carolina with his wife. Living by the ocean in both places was comforting and joyful and the years spent there were his favorite after retirement and brought them much happiness. 

Paul’s family would like him to be remembered for his kindness, dedication, patience, and humor that has left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Wednesday, January 15th from 4 to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA to honor and celebrate the life of Paul R. Desforges. His funeral service will be held Thursday, January 16th at 10:00 am at the funeral home. His friend and co-worker Deacon John Franchi will officiate the service. Burial will follow with full military honors at the Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport MA. Transportation will be provided for those wishing to attend the burial following the services. Donations may be made in his honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org , as this organization was dear to his heart.