Paul J. Banks, Sr., 83, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully in his home on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

He leaves his beloved wife of 61 years, Alberta M. (Charland) Banks; his devoted children, Paul J. Banks, Jr. and his wife Melissa, of Westminster, Keith P. Banks and his wife Rebecca, of Dudley; and Kimberlee E. Plante and her husband Colin M. Plante, Sr., of Auburn; his cherished grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, and Adam Banks, Henley Plante, and Colin M. Plante, Jr. and his wife Sarah; great-grandchildren, Judah and Abel Plante; his siblings, Joseph Banks, Jr. and his wife Terry, of Auburn, and Carolyn Bonnell and her husband Edward “Ted” of Sterling; a sister-in-law, Claire Lane, of Worcester; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Paul was born in Worcester, son of the late Joseph Banks, Sr. and Ruth (Miller) Banks. He was raised and educated in Worcester as well, graduating from Commerce High School in 1959. Paul went on to attend the UMass Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture; he graduated in 1962 with his Associate’s degree. He also dedicated six years of service while in the Coast Guard Reserves.

Like a true Lithuanian, Paul loved nature, and his mother’s potato pancakes that no one could ever duplicate. His passion was plants, flowers, and landscaping, taking pride in owning and operating Banks Landscaping from 1964 until the day he passed.

Paul also worked for 25 years as Grounds Superintendent at Instron Corporation, in Canton, MA, which he loved. After retiring, he spent winters working in the parking lot of Wachusett Mountain; he loved being able to talk to guests throughout the day.

He was a talented and enthusiastic horticulturist, participating in many flower shows in Boston and Worcester, where he won various awards over time.

Paul also cherished his little house in Scarborough, Maine, where he and Alberta loved spending any extra free time. He greatly enjoyed fishing (especially ice fishing), hunting, and his Springer Spaniels, who kept him company through the years.

He was as social as they come, and could strike up a conversation with just about anybody! He could always be found chatting with an old friend, or with someone who was about to become a new one. Paul was a dedicated, hard-working, devoted family man, who put everyone’s needs before his own. He will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org/donate).

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Banks family from 5 – 7 PM on Monday, July 29, 2024 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday July 30th at St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street N, Auburn – kindly proceed directly to church, please. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton