Paul M. Doonan, of Chelmsford, passed away on June 10, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was seventy nine years old.

Paul was a graduate of Malden Catholic High School after which he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During that time he studied at Yale University for three months followed by two and a half years in Alaska where he worked in decoding.

He then attended Merrimack College studying physics. There he met his future wife in chemistry lab class. He continued his education at Northeastern University, receiving degrees in Physics and Industrial Technology.

He was employed at Polaroid Corporation for thirty four years. He advanced to Division Manager for Computer Operations in Research and Development in Tech Square, Cambridge MA. He retired in 1996.

Paul’s interests included gardening, reading, fishing, and traveling with his wife and family. Particularly special were annual trips to Disney World with his wife, children, and their families. He took pleasure in the sounds of nature and the mountain and lake views at Winnisquam.

After retirement, Paul and Ina had the privilege of participating in their granddaughters' lives every day. Many years of transporting and enjoying their activities from Brownie Girl Scouts, softball, gymnastics, lacrosse, and many years of hockey were truly cherished times with our granddaughters Caitlin and Erin. There were humorous after school hours with Ava and Beeka making up funny rhymes and songs, making puzzles, and laughing over the Minions.

The son of the late William and Marie (Curtin) Doonan, Paul is survived by his loving wife of fifty four years, Ina (Senecal) Doonan, and two dearly loved children, Sean Doonan and his wife Kathy and their daughters Caitlin and Erin, all of Chelmsford, and by Heather (Doonan) Wright and her husband Norman and their daughter Ava, also of Chelmsford.

Paul is also survived by his brother William of San Francisco; sisters Dianne Pillone and Lorna McCracken both of New Jersey; brother Gerald and his wife JoAnn of Bellingham; and his sister Dr. Joyce Doonan of Virginia. He was predeceased by his brother John.


Paul was a blessing to his wife, children, and granddaughters as well as his extended family and friends. Paul rests in the love and peace of God.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Wednesday, June 14th from 4:00-7:00pm in the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 15th at 11:00am in St. Mary Church 25 North Road, Chelmsford.

KINDLY MEET AT CHURCH.

Interment will be private.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, P.O. Box 9004 Waldorf, MD 20604-9004 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.