Paul R. Leroux, 78, formerly of Paxton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at St. Mary Health Care Center, Worcester, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Worcester, Paul grew up in Shrewsbury as one of eight children born to Adrien and Eva (Roy) Leroux. Following his graduation from Holy Name High School, Paul attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Boston, where he earned his degree as a pharmacist. While beginning his career at Beacon Pharmacy, Paul also proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserves for three years. In 1969, he became the owner of West Side Pharmacy in Worcester, retiring in 1999. Paul was in his element at the pharmacy, always there with an attentive ear and sage advice for both his beloved customers and his employees. Many of those customers truly became good friends through the years.

Paul married Margaret Judith Nardella on September 5, 1959. Together, Paul and Judy created the foundation for the loving family that exists today. They spent many years living in Paxton before moving to West Boylston twelve years ago. Paul and Judy also owned a home in Dennis where the extended family often gathered. Paul truly enjoyed gardening; he took pride in maintaining a meticulous yard and loved learning about horticulture through travel and reading. Paul had a passion for art; he dabbled in oil painting, visited countless museums, and enjoyed acquiring art for his own collection. Paul was a man dedicated to his family and loved the time he spent with them, especially his five grandchildren whom he adored. Paul was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in West Boylston and a former parishioner of Saint Columba Parish in Paxton. He was a member of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club and a former member of the Paxton Lion’s Club.

Besides his beloved wife of almost 56 years, Judy, Paul leaves his three children, Robert P. Leroux of Northampton, Lisa M. Swalec and her husband Michael of West Boylston, and Michael R. Leroux and his wife Lorie of Texas; his five grandchildren, Emily, Tyler, and Joseph Swalec and Nicole and Carolyn Leroux; his three brothers, Raymond Leroux and his wife Elizabeth of Princeton, Charles Leroux and his wife Chung-Dee of Connecticut and Roger Leroux and his wife Carol of Shrewsbury; his sister, Rita Thibeault and her husband Raymond of Shrewsbury; his sister-in-law, Janet Leroux of Worcester; his brother-in-law, Joseph Genereux of Rhode Island; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, George Leroux and Norman Leroux, as well as his twin sister Pauline Genereux.

The family would like to express their appreciation to all the health care workers, especially the staff at St. Mary Health Care Center, who so lovingly cared for Paul throughout these difficult months.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Paul’s family on Sunday, June 21, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. His funeral will be held on Monday, June 22, with the family gathering at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by the celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association , 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.