Charles A. Paquette, M.D., passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife and family by his side on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 after a courageous battle with ALS. He was 80. Born and raised in Worcester, Charles was the son of the late Charles A. and Anita D. (Lemay) Paquette and lived the last 49 years in Paxton.

Charles was a graduate of Assumption Preparatory School and Assumption College, class of 1959. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Medicine from Georgetown Medical School in Washington, DC, graduating in 1963. During his fourth year in medical school, Charles married the love of his life, Mary Ann Messier from Worcester, on May 5, 1962 at Notre Dame des Canadiens Church in Worcester. They lived briefly in Worcester while Charles served a one-year internship at St. Vincent Hospital, returning to Georgetown University Medical Center where he served a four-year residency in orthopedic surgery. In 1968, Charles returned to Worcester with his family and joined Dr. Roland Caron’s orthopedic practice and moved to Paxton where he remained until his passing. Practicing under the name of Orthopedic Associates of Worcester, Charles served as its President and was professionally affiliated with Worcester City, Hahnemann, Holden District, Fairlawn as well as UMass/Memorial hospitals. He enjoyed a 38-year career in orthopedic surgery before retiring in 2002. Charles was a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Eastern Orthopedic Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, the Worcester District Medical Society and the American Guild of Organists.

Charles served as a Reserve Commissioned Officer in the Army of the United States from May 1965 through May 1972. He was promoted to Major in 1971 and Honorably Discharged 1972.

Charles was known by his colleagues, residents, nurses and patients as a compassionate, caring physician with wonderful bedside manners. He always enjoyed making rounds (visiting patients) at 5am every day. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his experience, talent and wisdom as a teaching physician to resident students.

His longtime passion and hobby was recording classical music, organ recitals, and college musicals performed at local churches and colleges. Charles donated his time to record, produce, and distribute high definition audio and video DVDs as his voluntary contribution to the local community. He also found great satisfaction producing numerous demo discs for students applying to musical colleges.

Charles’ life was centered on faith and family. He was a devout member of The Cathedral of Saint Paul and Notre Dame des Canadiens Church where he worshiped with his family until its unfortunate closing. In his spare time, you could find Charles working in his yard at home, finishing a painting project or puttering around his gardens. He loved tending to his apple trees, raspberries and grapes and took great pride in planting and nourishing his dahlia plants.

First and foremost, Charles was a family man. He cherished being home with his family and would often remember fondly his time spent with them vacationing in East Orleans at Pochet Beach. He truly loved being a grandfather and felt that by passing on his love, wisdom and example, they would forever keep him close to their hearts. He will be remembered for his altruistic nature and subtle sense of humor.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife of 55 years, Mary Ann (Messier) Paquette; a son, Christopher C. Paquette and his wife, Kimberley of Holden; three daughters, Monique A. Mordarski and her husband, Christopher of Rutland, Deborah M. Paquette of Paxton and Denise E. Richards and her husband, Peter of Rutland; a brother, Dr. Richard R. Paquette and his wife, Philippa of Woodstock, CT; a sister, Anne Marie Dyckman and her husband, Gary of Burlington; 14 grandchildren, Jessica, Luke, Nicholas, Daniel, Zachary, Sarah, Andrew, Nicole, Hailee, Christian, Jacob, Danielle, Isabel and Marc; 2 great-grandchildren, Lennox and Madelyn; adored family friend, Linda Nardella and her children; and nephews and nieces. A heartfelt thank you to Chahla, Jeffrey, Jackie, Mary Beth and to all those who provided care during his illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Charles’ family from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday, March 11, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, March 12, at The Cathedral of Saint Paul, 15 Chatham St., Worcester. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Cathedral of Saint Paul, 38 High St., Worcester, MA 01609 or Notre Dame Hospice, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605.