Paul Michael Rich

Paul Michael Rich (1940 - 2024)** Paul Michael Rich, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected business leader, passed away peacefully in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 27, 2024, after a brief illness. Born on August 12, 1940, in Roxbury (Boston), Massachusetts, Paul lived a life marked by dedication to his family, service to his country, and support in his community. He cherished the South Shore of Massachusetts, residing in Weymouth, Pembroke, Duxbury, and Hull before moving to Kennebunk, Maine, with his wife in 2018. Paul is predeceased by his wife and lifetime sweetheart, Margaret “Peggy” (Hatch), and his beloved parents Michael F. and Marion (Gilboy) Rich of Weymouth, MA, as well as his dear sister Joan (Rich) Balonis of Weymouth, MA. Paul leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience. Paul is survived by his five loving and devoted children: Lisa (John) Podrecca of Crab Orchard, TN, Amy (Frank) Rhodes of Halifax, MA, Kevin Rich (Steven Smoot) of Boston, MA, Jennifer (Jerome) Libby of East Wakefield, NH, and Andrew (Jamie Kelly) Rich of Hull, MA. His legacy extends to his five grandchildren: Chris Podrecca of Mattapoisett, MA, Molly (Brendan) Doherty of Plymouth, MA, Sean (Denise) Podrecca of Las Vegas, NV, Bridget (Mikey) Dalton of Marshfield, MA, and Dakota (Adam) Novak of Berwick, ME. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Declan Doherty, Carter Novak, Penelope Novak, Wren Podrecca, Robin Podrecca, and Michael (MJ) Dalton. Paul is also survived by his six siblings: Barbara, Ann, Marion, Alan, Michael, and John, all of Eastern Massachusetts, as well as countless friends from near and far who were touched by his kindness and generosity. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Paul served his country with honor, becoming a journeyman electrician during his service. The Navy taught him not only about the intricacies of electrical systems but also about discipline, responsibility, and honor. Afterward, he obtained his master electrician license and joined the family business, Atlas Alarm Corp. in Weymouth, MA, where he worked alongside his father, mother, and seven siblings. For six decades, Paul was a principal owner, operator, and director, leading the company to success and setting an example of integrity and hard work. Paul was active in shaping local and national fire prevention and electrical safety codes. He was one of the very first recipients of the prestigious National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level 4 Fire Alarm Systems Certification. Paul was proficient in the electrical code and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Respected statewide as a codes and standards authority, his reputation with local fire and police chiefs, fire prevention and safety officers, and other leaders in the fire prevention and security systems field was unparalleled. Paul served as president and held other high offices for several industry associations serving the concerns of electricians, fire alarm installers, security system technicians, and communication system workers, including the Massachusetts Systems Contractors Association (MSCA), the Massachusetts Electrical Contractors Association (MECA), and the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA). He also contributed to other civic and continuing education groups. Paul worked closely with the leaders of the Archdiocese of Boston, several municipal school systems, various colleges and universities, and numerous hospitals and medical centers. He also assisted countless local business owners and individual homeowners with their fire prevention and safety, security, and surveillance needs. For over 35 years, Paul’s two sons had the privilege of working alongside him at Atlas Alarm Corp. It was there that they learned the values of integrity, dedication, and perseverance—values that Paul embodied in everything he did. His guidance and wisdom were constants in his children’s lives, and they trusted their father unconditionally. As Paul grew older and as his own health declined, his children had the honor of caring for him, just as Paul had cared for all of his family for so many years. Even as he faced the challenges of aging and illness, his focus never wavered from the well-being of his loved ones. His caring and thoughtfulness extended to everyone he knew—family, friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances. Paul's kindness was a gift that touched countless lives. Five years ago, Paul lost his beloved Peggy. It was a difficult time for him, but his strength and resilience carried him through. His love for Peggy was unwavering, and his dedication to her, especially during her years of illness, was a testament to the depth of his character. Paul's greatest joy came from his family. As a son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he found strength and purpose in the relationships he built and nurtured. He left an indelible mark on each generation, teaching the importance of love, dedication, and hard work. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in his family and in the countless memories they shared. Outside of his professional and family life, Paul found happiness in simple pleasures—local sports, deep-sea fishing, and walking the beach. He had a deep connection to the natural beauty of New England, and he cherished every moment spent by the ocean. Paul also loved to travel, whether it was a long-distance family car trip, a cross-country train journey, a plane ride to another destination, or visiting local museums and attractions. He was equally comfortable camping in the woods, relaxing at a lakeside cottage, staying at a roadside motel, or treating himself and his family to a grand hotel or modern resort. Some of his fondest memories were the times spent with family near the water, especially the early morning sunrises, and the serene quietness of the ocean, just fishing and talking about life. Paul had a way of making everyone feel special. He had a kind word for everyone he met and always went out of his way to help those in need. Whether it was fixing a family member’s electrical problem or lending a listening ear to a neighbor, he was always there, a steady presence in a world that sometimes felt anything but steady. Paul's life was a testament to resilience, love, and dedication. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him. In his honor, let us remember the importance of family, the value of hard work, and the strength that comes from loving unconditionally. A service will be held at the Southern Maine Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 83 Stanley Rd, Springvale (Sanford), ME, on his birthday, August 12, 2024, at 12:00 P.M. Beginning at 10:00 AM, before the cemetery service, a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, located at 580 Main Street, Springvale (Sanford), ME 04083. After the service, attendees are welcome to join family and friends for a celebration of Paul’s life at one of our homes located a short 20-minute car ride from the cemetery (address to be provided at the service). Flowers may be sent to the funeral home directly and donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).