TAPS

PAUL R. ROCHFORD

TEACHER SOLDIER FRIEND

U.S. ARMY PARATROOPER

4 JULY 1926 - 6 AUGUST 2009

Paul Rochford 83 of Barrington Rhode Island passed away Thursday August 6, 2009 surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born in Westfield Massachusetts on July 4, 1926, son of the late Catherine and Frederick Rochford, brother of the late Francis and Virginia Rochford. Upon graduation from Westfield High School, Paul enlisted in the Army and served in combat in WWII with the Paratroopers of the 17th Airborne Division. Paul spent his 19th birthday in combat in Europe, and fought in the Bulge, Rhineland, and Central Europe, he received the Bronze Star in early 1945 for action in the Rhineland. When the war ended in Europe he was transferred to the 13th Airborne Division and headed for the invasion of Japan. Paul’s duty with the 82nd Airborne followed until discharge in 1946. Years later, in the early to mid 1960’s Paul served with the 19th Special Forces Airborne Group- the “Green Berets”.

Paul was a graduate of Middlebury College with a degree in psychology ’50. Furthering his studies he enrolled in Columbia University receiving his M.A. degree in Student Personnel Administration and Occupational Adjustment in 1951. Paul continued advanced studies in Guidance at Columbia University receiving a professional diploma in 1955 in Coordination of Guidance Services. He also completed further graduate work in preparation for a doctorate at New York University and Ohio State University.

Paul worked in western Massachusetts for six years as a School Psychologist and Guidance Director then served as the Director of Guidance for Barrington High School, Rhode Island in 1960. In 1966 Paul was appointed to Director of Admissions, Dean of Students and Dean of Community Affairs and taught Psychology at Roger Williams College. He also was an instructor at Salve Regina College in Newport and retired from education in 1989 after serving as principal of Middletown High School for 14 years.

During his service in secondary and higher education, Paul was the Rhode Island state representative on the New England Committee of the Association of College Admissions Counselors, a member of the American Association of Clinical Counselors, the American Personnel and Guidance Association, the Massachusetts School Psychologists Association and a member of the Rhode Island Teachers Association and is a Certified Psychologist in the State of Rhode Island. Paul, a member of St. Luke’s parish for 46 years, also served on the church board and was a member and former Secretary of the RI Special Forces Association.

Paul was a kind and loving man whose happiness came from helping his family and friends. Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years Patricia and their five children; Paul M. his wife Kimberly, Peter J., Timothy and his wife Samantha, Amy R. Bettencourt, Sara and her husband Denny Muzzy, our wonderful Mary T. and grandchildren James, Ryan, Madison, Sally and Daniel. The family respectfully wishes in lieu of flowers, a donation to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis be made at www.coalitionforpf.org.

CONDOLANCES

ARE EXTENDED TO COOKIE AND BOB DELOMBA ON THE PASSING OF HER FATHER A 1OTH SF GROUP VETERAN

Joseph C. Krupa, 82, of Maynard St., passed away on Saturday at his home. He was the husband of Jan Krupa for 34 years.

Born in Dubois, PA, he was the son of the late Conrad and Mary Krupka, he has lived in Providence for the past 45 years.

Joseph was a former Supervisor of Maintenance at Johnson and Wales University for 10 years, retiring in 1992.

He served in the US Army for 18 years, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. He also helped establish the 10th Special Forces Unit at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1952 and was the youngest soldier promoted to 1st Sergeant in that division. During World War II, he parachuted into Normandy Beach during the Invasion.

He finished his military career with the 526th Intelligence Corps, serving mostly in Europe as a Russian translator and interrogator.

Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Michael Krupka of Cranston and Anthony Santos of Johnston, three daughters, Lorraine DeLomba of West Greenwich, Doria Perkins of Providence and Staria Gauthier of Warwick, 13 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Michael, Olga and Irene Krupka.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 am in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith St., Providence. Burial will be private. Visiting hours, Monday 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904, in his memory would be appreciated.