Former longtime Calverton resident Paul Francis Gotimer, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, died on August 13, 2015. He was 80 years old.
Born on January 22, 1935 in Lynn, Massachusetts, he was the son of Grayce (Williams) and Joseph Francis Gotimer. He was a proud older brother to his sisters Jean, Joan and Jane. He always looked out for them and was the rock that held the family together.
After high school, Gotimer joined the Navy and took many excursions around the world. His souvenirs from these trips were tattoos that he proudly displayed on his arms for all to see. After he left the service he worked in the Suffolk County jail in Riverhead for more than 20 years as the lead maintenance man. He enjoyed this job immensely because he loved working with his hands to fix and create things.
In his early 20s, he met a woman who would become the love of his life, Grace Edwards. They were married on November 22, 1957. He moved into his wife’s family home on Edwards Avenue, where they raised four children, who looked up to him for his wisdom, wit, humor and mischievous side.
Gotimer retired from the jail and jumped into hobbies he treasured. He was known for traveling the country with his wife in their fifth-wheel truck and trailer. He took pride in keeping his truck beautiful and clean. He also took good care of the house and always found projects to work on or he would tinker with his model trains that took up a special room in his house.
He shared his love of traveling with his eight grandchildren. Every summer he took two grandkids out for a week to share in the adventures of camping and seeing the country. He was notorious for being an instigator when his grandchildren were around and often shared tricks to having fun without getting into trouble with their parents (most of the time). His adventures and stories will be shared with his great-granddaughter Mia.
In addition to his wife and siblings, he is survived by his children, Scott, of Florida, Jim, of Massachusetts, Drew, of Connecticut and Pamela Davidson of New Jersey; by his grandchildren Jacob, Daniel, Patrick, Ashley, Chris, Matt, Angela and Nicole; and by one great-grandchild, Mia.
He also leaves behind two nephews and five nieces who looked up to him, admired and respected him for his devotion to his family. He was the light of the party when he walked into a room or shared a beer at the family reunion. He will be remembered for his laughter, humor and desire to make everyone feel loved and special.
A memorial service was held Monday, Aug. 17 at Morello Funeral Home in Easton, Pennsylvania. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to American Cancer Society, Lehigh Valley Unit, 3893 Adler Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com